Date doubts on council election

THREE of our region’s mayors say the 2016 local government elections could be pushed to next year as the State Government forges ahead with its council amalgama

ON HOLD: Coffs Harbour Mayor Denise Knight (centre) is one of three local mayors who say local elections could be delayed until next year due council amalgamations across the state. Picture: Gemima Harvey

THREE of our region’s mayors say the 2016 local government elections could be pushed to next year as the State Government forges ahead with its council amalgamation reforms.

Under the Local Government Act 1993, council elections are to be held every four years with the next election scheduled for September 10 this year.

But local mayors say the the State Government has approached councils seeking feedback on a postponed election until its Fit for the Future reforms were complete.

While no councils on the Coffs Coast have been selected for amalgamations, a delay would mean councillors would serve an extra six months on top of their standard term.

Nambucca Shire Mayor Rhonda Hoban said she didn’t believe the process of planned mergers would be completed in time for a September election.

“Amalgamated councils have a significant process to go through under the Local Government Act,” Cr Hoban said.

“You can’t force an election until you go through a process of public enquiry, a review by the Boundaries Commission, and a submission to the minister.”

Postponing elections to March next year could present challenges for incoming councillors.

“The difficulty with a March election is that every council should be well under way in formulating their budget,” Cr Hoban said.

“It is a big ask to have newly elected councillors to go head-first into delivering the major financial document of the year.”

Bellingen Shire Mayor Mark Troy said his preference was to maintain a September election.

“I think it would be fairer for the minority to serve a three and a half year term rather than the majority serving a four and a half year term,” Cr Troy said.

“A council elected in March next year would also have limited input into the 2017-18 budget process and would in fact be excluded from any decision in regards to a 2017/18 SRV (rate rise) in the Bellingen Shire.”

A delayed election would also affect retirement plants for councillors who have decided not to re-contest.

A spokesman for the Minister for Local Government Paul Tool said councils should plan for local elections in September but could not confirm when a final decision would be made on the election date.

Coffs Harbour Mayor Denise Knight said councils needed to be informed as soon as possible.

“We need more certainty because each election in government is important,” Cr Knight said.

“It’s only fair on councillors and the community.

“The fact that the State Government is asking councils at the end of January what we think about election dates shows they really don’t have their ducks in line.”