Qld mayor charged over drunken assault

A north Queensland mayor is due to face court after being charged over a drunken assault on two female security guards on his outback town's horse racing weekend.

Richmond Shire Mayor John Wharton allegedly assaulted the women in a venue on Racecourse Rd, Richmond, about 9.15pm on August 28.

The incident occurred on the night of the annual Richmond Bush Sprints, the town's annual horse racing event.

Police said Mr Wharton was charged with two counts of common assault and creating a disturbance in a licensed premises.

The 68-year-old won't be standing aside during the proceedings and has indicated he's planning to fight the charges in court.

He's due to appear in Richmond Magistrates Court on Wednesday.