Council elections moved to December

The COVID-19 situation in NSW has led to the postponement of all Local Government elections across the state.

After extensive consultation with NSW Health, a three-month delay has been announced by the NSW Office of Local Government, moving election day to Saturday 4 December 2021.

Bega Valley Shire Council’s Acting CEO, Anthony McMahon said it is understood the move was made to prevent the possibility of the elections becoming super spreader events.

“With millions of people affected as a result of the current lockdown, the risk of opening polling stations on 4 September was seen as too great by the Government,” Mr McMahon said.

“The new date will see pre-poll voting opening two weeks before election day, and candidate nominations will now open as the electoral rolls close on 25 October.

“Current Councillor positions and the office of the Mayor will be held until the elections are held on 4 December.”

Bega Valley Shire Council will enter into caretaker mode from Friday 5 November.

Following closing of polls at 6pm on Saturday 4 December, results of the NSW council elections will be released between 21 and 23 December.