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Council elections postponed

Local government elections scheduled to be held this September will be postponed by a year.It will mean elected representatives will serve a term of five years, instead of the usual four.Both Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae and Berrigan Shire Mayor Matt Hannan said their councillors are all prepared to continue their responsibilities during this difficult time.‘‘I think it’s a wise decision to postpone the elections in these uncertain and challenging times,’’ Cr McRae said.‘‘Our councillors at the table are dedicated and enthusiastic, and they are committed to continuing their on-going support to the community.’’Cr Hannan said waiting another year for elections was a ‘‘common sense approach’’.‘‘Having the elections would have been irresponsible during this time, and when our ability to respond to this crisis is helped by the stability of the council,’’ Cr Hannan said.‘‘As a councillor, I’m definitely glad I can stay on to serve the community for another year.‘‘On the other side of the coin there might have been some councillors who weren’t going to continue after this year, but who have agreed to stay on for now.‘‘We make the decision to go in to local government because we care about the community we live in.‘‘The elections will be held but just a bit later than normal, but the process is still going ahead.’’The NSW Government has advised the postponement of the next election will not change the future schedule of elections, with councillors elected next year to serve a three year term only.In the meantime, councils will maintain their meeting schedules with some changes.Cr McRae said Murrumbidgee Council will meet virtually, with existing linkages between the council’s three offices aiding in the process.Cr Hannan said Berrigan Shire is still working through the process on how to hold meetings online.  He said in the case this is not possible, other alternative arrangements that meet social gathering guidelines will be introduced.Whatever the meeting method, Cr Hannan said meetings will be closed the public.  As such, public question time cannot be offered.Murrumbidgee Council meets the fourth Tuesday of each month and Berrigan Shire Council meets the third Wednesday of each month.Cr Hannan said for all government and other restrictions to be effective, residents must listen to and follow all advice given.‘‘Realistically we’re following what the state recommends and what is recommended of us as individuals by health professionals.‘‘We just need to deal with this on a day-to-day or hour-by-hour basis. This is Australia wide and world wide so we just need to do what the experts are telling us to do and we’ll come out the other side as a community.’’