Coming out on top was Lisa Scomazzon who received 262 votes or 33% of the vote.

Lisa finished ahead of second placed Roy Zammataro who gained 130 votes or 16%, followed by Tara Bennett who secured 119 votes or 15% of the overall voting percentage.

Jeremy Blockey, 79 votes, Abigail Noli 78 votes, Julia Leu 78 votes, and Pia McKeown 45 votes, rounded out the voting statistics.

As a result of the poll’s findings Newsport asked some of the current Councillors about their official position heading into next year’s local elections.

“It’s still very early, from my own point of view I still need to sit down and work out a few things,” Lisa Scomazzon told Newsport in relation into whether she has any intention to run for Douglas Shire mayor in 2024.

“Very genuinely I don’t have a decision at this point, and I haven’t set a timeframe as such to make a call either way.”

Another Councillor revealed her current thinking.

“At this stage, very respectfully I’m still considering my options regarding next year’s elections,” Cr Abigail Noli said.

A third current sitting Councillor said he harbours no ambitions for the top job.

“At this stage I have no genuine interest in running for mayor,” Cr Roy Zammataro said.

“I can say I’ll most likely be running again for a Councillor role next year.”

Douglas Shire priorities

Cr Scomazzon said she also acknowledged the results of a second recent Newsport poll that queried readers about their most pressing local shire priorities the new mayor and councillors should address and focus on in 2024.

“I note that lack of recreational facilities including parks, playgrounds and splash parks finished at the top,” Cr Scomazzon said.

“I can reassure Shire readers I will continue to advocate extremely hard to ensure we have the recreational parks and spaces that are fitting for our shire.

“I also note housing matters and the future of the Daintree Ferry also finished highly in the poll."

Another Councillor said the top finisher in the priorities poll wasn’t a surprise to him.

“The issue or talking point of a lack recreational facilities including parks and playgrounds in the Shire is the number one issue that locals want to talk to me about,” Cr Zammataro said.

“I am definitely aware of the public sentiment and will be doing what I can with this feedback going forward.”

Cr Peter McKeown was also contacted for comment regarding this story and did kindly return our calls, however we were unable to have a proper chat due to differing schedules.

Newsport poll future priorities results (Highest finishers)

Lack of recreational facilities ( parks, playgrounds, recreational facilities) 44 votes, or 13% of vote

Lack of affordable housing 40 votes

Daintree Ferry future 30 votes

Lack of transport 30 votes

Cost of living 21 votes

Homelessness 21 votes

Animal preservation 19 votes

Lack of Douglas Shire vision 19 votes