Mark it in your diaries, December 4, 2021, is when residents across Wingecarribee Shire will hit the polling booths to determine a new local council.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock announced that all local government elections would be postponed on July 25.
The local government elections were to be held on September 4. The decision was made after extensive consultation with and advice from the NSW Electoral Commission and NSW Health, and in response to the Covid-19 situation.
The decision to postpone the date will have particular impacts in Wingecarribee Shire, where an administrator was appointed on March 12.
Greens candidate for Wingecarribee Shire Council, Heather Champion, welcomed the decision.
"This is a sensible decision in light of the new outbreak. Right now the top priority should be to keep everyone in NSW safe and healthy," she said.
"I hope that in December we will all be able to vote safely and focus on the specific issues facing the Southern Highlands.
"We also now have more time for the community to get to know our council candidates and to talk about what matters. I'm looking forward to that."
Ms Champion called for more information from the interim administrator, Viv May.
"The community needs to know how our council will be run until December 4," she said.
"Mr May should confirm whether he will stay on in his role for an additional three months."
Independent candidate Rachel Russell also welcomed the decision.
"It is so important to look at the positives in every situation, and focus on the things we can change rather than those we can't," she said.
"Challenge equals growth potential.
Read also: Man Walk shining a light in uncertain times
"Wingecarribee Shire needs diverse representation on the local council, and the key to getting this result is for our community to be well-informed about the quality and diversity of new candidates running.
"Community safety measures during Covid-19 limited the ability for people to be sure they know who they're voting for.
"So under the circumstances, this postponement is a positive step for the election of a good council."
Ms Russell said there were vacancies to fill within the council and the extra time would allow for new and old staff to settle into the new structure.
"A delay in the date allows time for this to occur before needing to deal with a newly elected council," she said.
"If nothing else, for the existing candidates who have been dedicated to running for council for some time, it can help build trust with our community that we have the motivation, grit and determination to do the job."
Independent candidate Jane Crowley said that while she was frustrated the election was postponed she could understand why.
"The Delta variant is causing great concern and its spread must be curtailed before an event such as a statewide election is held," she said.
"We are an incredibly strong team of nine passionate and intelligent candidates who have all committed their time and energy to bring about positive change to our Shire.
"If it means we must campaign for a further three months to achieve our goal, it is something that we are all very willing to do."
Labor candidate Jo-ann Davidson said she was disappointed that the elections had been postponed a second time due to Covid-19 concerns.
"I respect the public health necessity that warranted it. An election is no easy task to mount, in postponing it we are allowing the Electoral Commission and their tireless staff opportunity to mount a safe election," she said.
"Should the Sydney outbreak remain a problem in December, I believe options such as a full postal ballot such as that employed by Melbourne City Council in 2020 should be explored, so that we may return some normalcy to the council and elect a fresh term of councillors."
Ms Davidson said that would continue to get the word out in the community no matter what.
"My focus for our area is looking to work constructively with other candidates as we try to set the course for the shire over the next term of council," she said.
"There is a lot to be done in the Wingecarribee, but we have to roll with the punches as they come. The introduction of lockdowns whilst an important element of our response to Covid-19 has a significant impact on our core tourism business.
"This isn't just hitting the wineries, accommodation, and wonderful cafes and restaurants, it's also the wholesalers, cleaners, dry cleaners, tour operators, musicians and dozens of other Highlands businesses and staff they employ that play their part in making the Southern Highlands the premium destination it is.
"Rebuilding our tourism sector will be an absolute priority for the shire that I hope to help bring to the forefront of council's agenda if elected."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark our website
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Google News
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking news and regular newsletters