Eurobodalla Shire Councillors have responded to the decision for the NSW Government to delay council elections to at least September 2021.
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Cr Rob Pollock: "The NSW Government had no choice given the logistics of organizing any election."
Cr Pat McGinlay: "On one level, I am disappointed about the election postponement, as I was looking forward to the coming elections and working towards being re-elected as a Greens candidate with increased broader community support.
"I was also anticipating being able to soon work productively with a refreshed body of councillors in a more open and transparent way.
"On a broader level though, I acknowledge that these are highly concerning and uncertain times for all of us, and can understand the decision that has been made at NSW Government levels. I also have to note that a 12 month postponement of an event still some five months away, is a worrying indicator of how long the State Government anticipates this crisis will endure.
"I am committed to continuing in the role of councillor until the next local election, whenever that might be in 2021."
Cr Lindsay Brown: "The delay is obviously disappointing, but unexpected, and I don't have all the info NSW cabinet had to make such a decision and therefore I cannot and will not make any criticism.
"The State Government's, indeed all levels of government, main goal is the protection of human life which is paramount and we need to trust the authorities 100% in their considerations.
"A few side comments though, I would have preferred the Minister be given the authority to make a call on elections at a time when the future is clearer, rather than a mandated time in year and a half. We could for example have an election in March or April 2020 which is twelve months away.
"I would also have preferred the next council term to be a full four years, not a three year term. All NSW councils and their respective communities have had several years of challenges with mergers, legislation reviews etc and a 'clear four year run' matching strategic and financial plans would have been beneficial from 2021.
"There was also the opportunity to follow other states lead and implement postal voting which, if available now, would have allowed elections quite possibly to go ahead. Some in the community as well who will be upset they don't get a chance to judge councils until September 2021.
"Whilst personally I am not effected greatly, my life is flexible enough, however I do really feel for those councillors who were hoping to retire this year for any number of reasons. I know of several who are impacted and very disappointed, one in particular is soon to be a full time carer for an quickly ailing partner and now has another twelve months to try and manage their council commitments as well.
"Again, I support the government in its role to manage the State across a number of sectors and wish them well in the endeavours.
"Remember, only as a united community, vigilant and obedient, will we flatten the curve. The recent bushfires brought us together, let's not lose that spirit now when we need it the most."
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