Strelow strongly objected to this change, as did Gladstone Region mayor Matt Burnett and Shadow Minister for Local Government, Ann Leahy.

[5] Prior to her resignation, Strelow attracted media attention after she posted a video of herself covered in bubble wrap on Facebook to illustrate how cautious she was being, fearing that something may happen to her which could see Hooper become mayor.

[8] Her resignation prompted a series of tributes from local Central Queensland community and business leaders including from the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce, Regional Development Australia, SMW Group and Bravus.

With the well-publicised changes to the local government legislation in state parliament, some local media outlets assumed that as runner-up in the mayoral election held earlier in the year, Chris "Pineapple" Hooper had essentially become the mayor-elect by default, which prompted a slew of national media stories about the unusual situation.

[8][10] However, soon after Strelow's resignation, Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe announced that a new bill would be introduced and swiftly passed through state parliament to amend the legislation, retrospectively reverting it back to ensure a by-election would be held.

[11] Hooper attempted to enter a council meeting at City Hall to be sworn in as mayor after accepting the offer, but was prevented from doing so.

[3] Other contenders were urban strategist Russell Claus, mine worker Bronwyn Laverty-Young, driving instructor Leyland Barnett, logistics specialist Christian Shepherd, fruit and vegetable retailer Dominic Doblo, Sir Graham McCamley's grandson Remy McCamley, sports administrator Rob Crowe, camera operator Christopher Davies, pastor John Rewald, Bulloo Shire finance manager Brett Williams, teacher Miranda Broadbent and business strategist Nyree Johnson.