UPDATE: COUNCILLORS will meet on Friday to discuss filling the vacancy left by the shock disqualification of councillor Jamie Mackenzie.

The outspoken councillor was disqualified yesterday, after he was declared an undischarged bankrupt.   Mayor Peter Blundell said tomorrow's meeting would focus on whether to elect another councillor.   Speaking to the media this afternoon, Cr Blundell said the situation was 'not usual'.    "As a council we've been particularly mindful the process needs to be done in the correct way," he said.   "We've also been very mindful of the fact Cr Mackenzie did need the opportunity to speak to people to allow him to put his words to the situation."   Under the Local Government Act a councillor can be dismissed if they are declared bankrupt.   CEO David Keenan confirmed the council was notified by another party of Mr Mackenzie's position.   He also said he had no official communication from the departing councillor.   Cr Blundell said if the councillors wished to fill Mr Mackenzie's vacancy it would require "an election process".   "Obviously that makes it, I believe, quite a straight forward decision," he said.   "It (the decision) does need to be by resolution of council."   Mr Mackenzie has reflected on his term as a councillor and his love of the region.   "I was privileged in my first term on Council to be the 'voice of reason' for the whole region, offering an informed contribution and professional second opinion on council," he said.   "I have enjoyed representing the whole region."   The outspoken councillor listed completing roadworks, and saving mobile libraries among his proudest achievements.   While it's unlikely he will be a candidate at the March election, Mr Mackenzie has outlined his wish for the next election.   "New blood on Council is welcome to push for positive changes identified in this term," he said.   "Better budgets are a priority along with better consultation with the public, less red tape and a cutting of administration expenses."   While Cr Blundell and Mr Mackenzie haven't always seen eye-to-eye, the Mayor has wished his former colleague well.   "Certainly he's been a very active member of council," he said.   "The major concern is for his well-being and to ensure if there is a need for support, that support is provided.   "We wish him well in his future endeavour."   

EARLIER: MAYOR Peter Blundell has called a special meeting to address the disqualification of councillor Jamie Mackenzie.  

The council released a statement yesterday stating Mr Mackenzie was 'no longer a councillor with Southern Downs Regional Council'.  

Documents obtained by the Daily News showed Mr Mackenzie had recently been declared an 'undischarged bankrupt'.

Cr Blundell said the council would discuss the issue at a special meeting on Friday.  

"At the meeting on Friday, Council will consider the options in relation to filling the vacancy created by Mr Mackenzie's disqualification," he said.  

"Under the Act, and considering that the writs for the Local Government elections have recently been issued, one of the options will be to leave the position vacant until the Local Government election for Southern Downs Regional Council is concluded."  

According to Cr Blundell, the council had only received advice from other parties about Mr Mackenzie's qualification to be a councillor.  

"Council has not received any advice or formal notification from Mr Mackenzie about his qualification to be a councillor," he said.  

"Council did not provide detailed comment yesterday as Council needed to ensure the process and the information was correct.  

"Council also believed that it was important that Mr Mackenzie had the opportunity to explain his situation."  

While the Mayor admitted he hadn't seen eye to eye with Mr Mackenzie over the years, he said it was important to recognise his need for privacy.  

"I recognise the challenges of being consistently in the public eye and the organisation has offered Mr Mackenzie assistance under the Employee Assistance Program, should he wish to take up that offer," he said.