Local MP Makes Bold Bid for Townsville Leadership

Dametto Resigns to Pursue Vision for ‘Capital of the North’

By Rachael Smith

Member for Hinchinbrook, Nick Dametto, has stunned the community with the announcement that he will contest the upcoming Townsville local government by-election, officially launching his bid to become the next Mayor of Townsville.

After eight years of service in State Parliament, Dametto will step down from his role as Member for Hinchinbrook to pursue the mayoralty—an ambitious move with no guarantee of success.

"IT WAS A HARD DECISION, BUT IT WAS THE BEST DECISION”

Dametto’s announcement comes in the wake of former Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson’s formal resignation—nearly a year after he was suspended by the State Government on full pay.

Thompson is currently under investigation by the Crime and Corruption Commission over alleged discrepancies in his military, educational, and business credentials.

In the wake of the vacancy, Dametto wasted no time declaring his intention to run.

“The opportunity came up, and I believe it’s good for the whole region,” he said.

“When the capital of North Queensland is thriving, all the surrounding regions benefit—we all do well when Townsville does well.”

Dametto emphasised that the decision wasn't motivated by personal gain.

“I’m not doing this for the money—in fact, I’m taking a step back in both pay and party status. But I’m moving forward in my ability to make decisions that impact the region,” he said.

As part of his mayoral campaign, Dametto will also resign as Deputy Leader of Katter’s Australian Party, a position he has held since 2021.

“I think it's necessary to demonstrate independence,” he explained.

“While I owe my political career to the Katter Party and continue to share its core values, stepping away allows me to approach this new role from a politically neutral stance.”

Dametto said neutrality would be key in his efforts to secure funding and support from both State and Federal Governments and in building a new, cohesive Townsville City Council.

“Bringing the people of Townsville together, uniting the business community—that’s my goal.”

If elected, he promises a back-to-basics approach.

“We’ll focus on getting the small things right—the roads, the sewerage, the parks and gardens. Once you get the small things right, the big things will follow.”

The Local Government by-election is expected to be officially announced this week. Once the date is confirmed, Dametto will submit his formal resignation from the Queensland Parliament by written notice to the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.

A by-election for the seat of Hinchinbrook will also be announced in the coming weeks.

“I would like to sincerely thank the good people of Hinchinbrook who have trusted me over the past eight years,” said Dametto.

“It was a hard decision—but I believe it’s the best decision.”