Former Onkaparinga councillor Sue Tonkin has returned to the fold, following a supplementary election in the Mid Coast ward.

The council vacancy was caused by the resignation of Cr Beau Cowan in June due to ill health, following a cancer diagnosis.

Sue Tonkin has been a resident in the Onkaparinga Council area for 45 years and was an inaugural councillor for the City of Onkaparinga.

In her statement to the Electoral Commission Ms Tonkin says she works in community housing and is keen to work with support agencies to alleviate issues of homelessness, domestic violence, aging, youth engagement and poverty in the region.

“I am particularly interested in finding a way to make the Beach Road precinct a more vibrant coastal spot, as it deserves to be. 

“My previous time as an elected member of this council proved that I have a strong voice for those who I represent, and look forward to doing so again.”

There were 18 candidates for the supplementary election, with none gaining more than 11 per cent of first preference votes.

Voter turnout was 16.57 per cent of the 23,646 people enrolled, the Electoral Commission receiving 3790 formal votes.

The Mid Coast ward covers the suburbs of Lonsdale, Reynella, O’Sullivan Beach, Christie Downs, Christies Beach, Noarlunga Downs, Port Noarlunga and Seaford Meadows. 

Cr Bill Jamieson is the other Mid Coast ward representative.