Call for council elections

Member for Barwon Roy Butler has responded to concerns raised by ratepayers who are calling for a return to the original date for NSW local government elections in September.

The NSW government announced earlier this year that council elections across the state would be postponed for 12 months until September 2021 because of the COVID-19 dangers in large public gatherings.

However, the restrictions on social, sporting and business activities and domestic tourism are increasingly being eased across the state. Schools are returning on Monday.

“I’ve had a number of people say that a five year term is simply too long a time to have a council not face the ratepayers through an election,” Mr Butler said.

“Ratepayers have the right, and deserve the opportunity to express their support for the local council, or vote for change through the election process.

“I see no reason that Local Government shouldn’t face the ratepayers and residents in September this year as is the normal cycle,” Mr Butler said.

“The only condition I place on this is that current health advice at that time is adhered to.

“Surely if we can travel, our kids can go to school, attend a supermarket with 100 other people and go to a pub we can also elect a new council,” Mr Butler said.

“Local government councillors do an excellent job with very little financial reward,” said Mr Butler.

“Many will be returned, many will not stand again and the new entrants will do a fine job for their communities.

“Please let me know your thoughts on having the election this September and not extending the term of local councils by another year,” Mr Butler invited his Barwon constituents.