ASPIRING councillors have ten days from Monday (9 September) in which to nominate as a candidate for Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
The elections for councillors in each of the peninsula’s 11 wards will be held on Saturday 26 October.
Candidates must pay a $250 nomination fee, undergo training and submit paperwork in person when attending an appointment at the Victorian Electoral Commission’s (VEC) local election office.
Under new boundaries announced by the VEC the single councillor wards replace the existing six wards, which have three councillors in Briars and Seawinds, two in Nepean and one each in Cerberus, Red Hill and Watson.
The new single-councillor wards are Brokil, Beek Beek, Benbenjie, Briars, Coolart, Kackeraboite, Moorooduc, Nepean, Tanti, Tootgarook and Warringine (Wards new names, new boundaries, The News 20/2/24).
Nominations for the elections close at midday on Tuesday 17 September, which is also the time when the current council enters its “caretaker period”.
The election period policy is designed to ensure that the election is conducted “fairly, equitably, and ethically while allowing council business to continue in a responsible and transparent manner”. Although not specified, some restrictions may apply during the caretaker period to prevent undue influence or conflicts of interest.
There were 43 candidates in the shire’s 2020 elections, with eight new faces included in the 11-member council — six women and five men, the reverse of the previous council which had six men and five women (Eight new faces on council, The News 9/11/20).
The newly elected council saw an unprecedented number of complaints being made by councillors against their colleagues to the Local Government Inspectorate (most of which were eventually withdrawn); three councillors seeking election to state parliament (only Paul Mercurio was successful); and three councillors resign before the end of their terms.
“Being a councillor can be challenging and requires a high degree of commitment, dedication and stamina but it can be a deeply rewarding role. It requires you to work with all sectors of our community, as well as shire staff, to understand complex issues and determine the best way forward,” shire CEO John Baker, said in a statement on the shire’s website.
“Our community is changing and it’s important council reflects all aspects of this diversity. “We need councillors from a range of backgrounds so that each can bring their unique perspective, knowledge and experience to the table.” Baker wished “good luck” to aspiring councillors and looked forward “to building a productive working relationship with all members of the newly elected council”.
The VEC said candidates must complete mandatory training before being eligible to nominate for the October elections. The compulsory training would help candidates understand the role and responsibilities of being a councillor. In-person information sessions being run by a VEC-appointed election for candidates will be held at the shire’s:
- Rosebud office, 90 Besgrove Street, 6.30pm, Wednesday 4 September.
- Mornington office, 2 Queen Street 6.30pm, Thursday 5 September.
- Hastings office, 21 Marine Parade 6.30pm, Friday 6 September.
Information on nominating as a council candidate is available at vec.vic.gov.au/council-candidate. Appointments to submit nomination forms can be made by calling the candidate helpline 8620 1316 until Monday 9 September or 131 832 after that date.
First published in the Mornington News – 3 September 2024
