NSW council elections: Here’s what the second delay means for the Northern Rivers

Residents will now have to wait another three months to vote and the next council term has been cut short before it begins.

The local government elections in New South Wales have been postponed for a second time.

Council elections in New South Wales, already delayed a year because of Covid-19, have been postponed by another three months.

A Ballina Shire Council spokeswoman said it was “business as usual for staff and councillors” in the meantime.

Councils were on the cusp of entering caretaker mode but this will now not begin until Friday, November 5.

For the Ballina Shire, ordinary meetings will still be held on the fourth Thursday of each month.

“There will also be a council meeting in November, however this will be the last council meeting for the current council before the December 4, 2021 election,” the spokeswoman said.

Tweed Shire Council’s general manager Troy Green said operations would continue, with serving councillors to remain in their positions until the new end of the term.

“Council staff will continue to work closely with councillors to ensure the ongoing good governance of the Tweed Shire, including crucial decision-making on matters such as planning and development applications,” Mr Green said.

“I’d like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of our councillors who will continue to serve the Tweed community for an additional three months.”

Tweed Shire Council General Manager Troy Green.

The current council term, which is typically four years long, was originally due to end with the election that was planned to be held in September, 2020.

That was postponed by a year as a result of the pandemic, although Queensland council elections went ahead last year.

Based on existing legislation, the current Tweed mayor, Chris Cherry, will retain her role until December 4 but the deputy mayor’s job will need to be recontested in September when Reece Byrne’s one year term ends.

A Richmond Valley Council spokeswoman confirmed there would also be full meetings in August, September and October in that local government area.

“The extra time may help us to progress some matters earlier than expected,” she said.

“This is not a drama because we were ready with the work anyway.”

The second election postponement will result in the current term being five years and three months.

Nominations for candidates will be open on Monday, October 25 and the electoral roll will remain open until that date.

Voters can lodge applications for postal votes from Tuesday, October 26.

Nominations and registrations of candidates and groups will close at 12 noon on

Wednesday, November 3.

Also on November 3, registration will open for electoral material to be distributed on election day.

On Monday, November 22, applications for assisted voting service iVote will open as well as the pre-poll voting period.

The extended term will not mean a delay in future elections; councillors elected in December will have a term spanning just two years and eight months.

The next election after this year is due to be held in September, 2024.