Ipswich ratepayers could be slugged with a $396,000 bill for the Division 4 by-election.
It comes after it was revealed the Electoral Commission of Queensland had set the date for the by-election for October 26.
The election will be an attendance ballot on the same day as the state election.
It follows a decision by Ipswich City Council in a special meeting earlier this month where council resolved to hold a by-election on the basis that there shouldn’t be a ‘price on democracy’.
The move also allows voters the right to have a say on who should take up the role left vacant by the resignation of Councillor Dave Cullen.
Councillor Cullen stepped down from the job after less than six months due to health reasons.
In a letter to Ipswich City Council (above), ECQ said that holding the by-election on the same day as the state election does allow for some efficiencies in the cost.
Division 4 candidates also need to be aware nominations close on Tuesday October 8.
