The NSW Government has postponed the September (2020) local government elections in the face of the COVID-19 crisis.
The decision to postpone the elections was deemed necessary to ensure the health and safety of voters, NSW Electoral Commission staff and election candidates.
It follows Parliament passing amendments to the Local Government Act on Tuesday night (March 24 2020) to provide the Minister with the power to postpone the elections for 12 months with a possible further extension to 31 December 2021 should the need arise.
Current Councillors and the Mayor will continue to hold their civic offices until the rescheduled local government elections are held.
The postponement of the elections will not change the future schedule of council elections, and the subsequent elections will still proceed in September 2024.
NSW Parliament has also enacted legislation to allow councils to hold meetings and briefings electronically instead of physically. Virtual meetings will be held for the next six months with an extension to 12 months if necessary.
Council will provide further information once revised meeting procedures have been developed and technology tested for these interim virtual meetings. All Council meetings will continue to be live-streamed on Lismore City Council’s website.
Meanwhile, Council’s public safety and compliance staff will continue to support local business owners on how to comply with the new COVID-19 restrictions announced by the Prime Minister on Tuesday night (March 24 2020).
It is critical that businesses adapt their operations under the new restrictions to comply with social distancing and public health standards.
Any businesses that are unsure of how to operate takeaway and delivery services in light of the new restrictions can phone Council for assistance on 1300 87 83 87.
The NSW Government has launched a 24-hour hotline for workers and businesses to access a range of advice and support on non health-related COVID-19 enquiries. Phone Service NSW on 13 77 88.
Source: Lismore City Council