Qld mayoral candidate forgets to nominate

A television interview is believed to be behind a Gold Coast mayoral candidate failing to nominate in time for next month's local government elections.

Gary Pead was hoping to oust incumbent Tom Tate at the March 19 poll.

But Mr Pead failed to enter a nomination before Tuesday's midday deadline, ending his campaign before it had even begun.

It's reported Mr Pead was too busy conducting a television interview to get his nomination in before the deadline.

Mr Pead, who announced he would run for mayor last year, had promised a solar panel for every Gold Coast home if elected.

It's the latest political setback for the environmental campaigner, who failed to oust incumbent Ray Stevens as Labor's candidate for the seat of Mermaid Beach in the 2015 Queensland state election.

Mr Pead's exclusion means six candidates will run for the Gold Coast mayoralty including incumbent Tom Tate.

Fifty-nine candidates will contest the Gold Coast council elections across 14 divisions.

Deputy mayor Donna Gates and division two councillor William Owen-Jones have been automatically re-elected after no other candidates nominated to run against the incumbent pair.