7 January 2021
Ever thought about running for Council and having the opportunity to influence the future of Tenterfield Shire Local Government Area? All the information you need is available for you in one spot – HERE
A Councillor’s role is important. The decisions a Council makes and the services it provides can change local communities and environments.
Council elections are normally held every 4 years but the current term has run from September 2016 to September 2021 due to the Minister for Local Government passing an amendment to the Local Government Act 1993 postponing the election from 2020 to 2021 due to the COVID pandemic.
However, the new term from 2021 will still proceed to election in September 2024 making this a 3 year term.
Council has determined that the NSW Electoral Commission will conduct the elections to ensure that protocol, procedure, and transparency is maintained. The Electoral Commission will appoint a Returning Officer who will be the point of contact for all enquiries regarding the election.
The Tenterfield Shire Local Government Area is divided into 5 Wards (A, B, C, D & E) with 2 Councillors elected for each Ward. Council elects the Mayor and Deputy Mayor from amongst the elected Councillors at the first meeting in September. Currently the Mayor holds a 2 year term with the Deputy Mayor being elected annually.
The Local Government Act 1993 determines the number of Ordinary Council Meetings to be held annually, however Council, through its Code of Meeting Practice, can determine the time and date of these meetings. Currently Ordinary Council Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month, commencing at 9.30 am but this can be amended by a resolution of Council to make changes to the Code of Meeting Practice. So the current day and time of these meetings can easily be changed if the majority of Councillors agree.
Candidate Nominations
To have your name included on a ballot paper you must be nominated as a candidate for the election and you must be enrolled to vote in the Local Government Area by 6pm on Monday, 26 July 2021.
Nomination period commences Monday, 26 July 2021 and ends 12 noon, Wednesday, 4 August 2021.
Local Government elections across the State will be held on Saturday, 4 September 2021.
It is envisaged that Council, in collaboration with Local Government NSW, will conduct forums for interested candidates later in the year. Details for these will be widely advertised once arrangements have been finalised.
In the meantime, interested candidates are encouraged to visit the website regularly and familiarise themselves with all the available information as many legal obligations are involved.
Information will be updated on the website as new documents come to hand from either the NSW Electoral Commission or the Office of Local Government.