Changes to Council operations during Election Period (Caretaker)

Last updated on 13 September 2024

Council will enter an Election Period (Caretaker) starting from 12pm on 17 September 2024 until 6pm on 26 October 2024. This period is crucial to ensuring that the elections are conducted fairly, equitably, and without influence from current Council operations.

The Election Period is a time when Council may limit certain activities – to ensure decisions made are not influenced by, or likely to influence, the upcoming election. During this time, Council refrains from making major policy decisions, committing to large expenditures, or entering significant contracts that could potentially affect voter intentions.

All essential and day-to-day services provided by the Council will continue as usual.

You can expect the same level of service for waste collection, public health services, community programs, and more. However, any new initiatives or non-essential activities may be paused until the Election Period ends.

During the Election Period, Council's communications will be carefully managed to ensure that no content is published that could be seen as influencing the election. This includes Council’s website, social media channels, and other publications. You might notice fewer updates during this time, and some regular features may be suspended.

New content on our website and social media will focus strictly on essential services and routine Council operations. We will not be publishing material that could be perceived as electoral material that supports an election candidate.

While Council prides itself on its engagement with the community on various projects, some consultation processes may be postponed during the Election Period. Any ongoing consultations will be carefully reviewed to ensure compliance with the election rules.

The Election Period helps maintain the integrity of the election process by ensuring all candidates are given a fair and equal opportunity. It also ensures that the current Council does not make decisions that could unduly influence the election or bind the incoming Council to commitments they did not have a say in.

Find out more about Council Elections.

If you have any questions about the election process, candidates and voting as a state-enrolled voter, contact the Victorian Electoral Commission directly via the VEC website or call 131 832.