CALOUNDRA Deputy Mayor Don Smith has denied a reduction in councillor numbers from 10 to six would weaken political influence in the hinterland, claiming a change to multi-member divisions meant the hinterland stood to gain proportionally more representation.

But Cr Smith’s comments on the new look – made as council’s leading supporter of the reduction alongside Mayor Don Aldous – were “purely speculative” according to Cr Dick Newman, who has vowed to vote against the proposal.

Also opposing the reduction, Cr Anna Grosskreutz said the unique needs of residents living in the sprawling Maleny and Glass House Country divisions would not be adequately serviced by a council with fewer councillors.

With a public meeting to decide the issue scheduled for 9.30am in the Caloundra chamber next Monday from 9.30am all three councillors will have a final chance to argue their positions at a meeting tonight in the Landsborough Community Hall starting 8pm.

Cr Smith is likely to face steadfast opposition from some audience members convinced the reduction in councillor numbers is a ploy to hand control to a development-friendly and coastal-based governing team.

But Smith may surprise some with his belief that the hinterland should retain councillors at the expense of its coastal counterparts.

For more information on tonight’s meetings phone Kel McNamara on 5493 0354.