11 February 2009

Nominations have closed for by-elections in the Palerang, Wellington and Richmond Valley local government areas.

NSW Electoral Commissioner Colin Barry said contests would be held in each council area after a total of 14 candidates came forward by today’s 12 noon deadline.

“There had been some discussion in the local media for the Richmond Valley by-election to be replaced by a ‘countback’ system where the last candidate in line from September’s general election was simply appointed to council,” Mr Barry said.

“Obviously the local community values the opportunity to contest each vacancy as it arises as demonstrated by the eight new candidates who have come forward for this election.”

In the other two by-elections being conducted on Saturday 14 March, three candidates have nominated for one vacancy on the Palerang Council and three people have nominated for a vacancy on the Wellington Council.

Voting is compulsory for all residents on the electoral rolls, which have now closed.

“Electors who know they will be outside their council area on 14 March should consider postal or pre-polling as there is no absentee voting in local government elections.“

• Postal vote applications close on 9 March
• Pre-polling opens on 2 March and closes 13 March

Candidate Information Sheets will be published at www.elections.nsw.gov.au at 4pm.

The NSW Electoral Commission will also conduct by-elections on Saturday 4 April for three vacancies on the Upper Hunter Shire Council. Nominations for that election will open on 23 February and close at 12 noon on 4 March.

Three by-elections were held in the Bland, Wellington and Warren (A Ward) local government areas on November 29 last year, taking to seven the number of by-elections since the 2008 general council elections.

“It is normal for there to be some change in the representation of councils due to councillors retiring or unforeseen circumstances such as illness or death,” Mr Barry said.

Media Contact: Adrian Kerr, NSWEC Corporate Communications