Want to run for local council? Here’s your chance

CANDIDATES and groups can now register with the NSW Electoral Commission for the 2016 local government elections, set to be held on Saturday, September 10.

CANDIDATES and groups can now register with the NSW Electoral Commission for the 2016 local government elections, set to be held on Saturday, September 10.

There was speculation the elections may be delayed until March 2017 due to council amalgamations imposed by the NSW Government, but Local Government Minister Paul Toole recently advised that elections for non-merging councils would go ahead in September.

Candidates and groups are required to register with the NSW Electoral Commission prior to nominations opening, in order to accept political donations and make payments for electoral expenditure.

Nominations will open on August 1, when candidates or groups nominate for inclusion on the ballot paper, Lismore City Council's General Manager Gary Murphy said.

"It is good that we now have some certainty around the timing of the local government elections. This allows us to plan our year ahead," Mr Murphy said.

"Council elections are held every four years. The Council will go into caretaker mode on 13 August, limiting the type of decisions Council can make in the lead-up to the elections.

"Council staff will continue undertaking the day-to-day operation of Council until our 11 Councillors are declared sometime after 10 September."

In June, the NSW Electoral Commission will release nomination forms, a candidate information presentation and a candidate handbook.

For candidate enquiries phone the NSW Electoral Commission on 1300 135 736 or visit www.elections.nsw.gov.au.

For voter information, visit www.votensw.info.