UPDATE: It’s official. Incumbent councillor David Carey and Michael Kerr will join Mayor Julia Leu, Roy Zammataro and Abigail Noli in forming the Douglas Shire council for the next four years.

A formal request for a recount was sent to the Electorate Commission Queensland (ECQ) on Wednesday by candidates Peter McKeown and Terry Melchert. Peter McKeown was pipped for a council seat by just eight votes.

ECQ Assistant Director Carrick Brough confirmed the request has been denied.

“The ECQ requires firm grounds for directing a recount,” Brough said.

“In this instance, taking into account the methodical nature of the count which incorporates continuous balancing and scrutiny from candidates and scrutineers, the Commissioner was not persuaded that a recount would lead to a different result.

“From the Commission’s perspective, the decision is final.”

Candidates or electors who wish to dispute the election may appeal to the Court of Disputed Returns, although this appears unlikely.

RELATED COVERAGE:

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See final election results here