CORANGAMITE Shire's most populous ward will vote in a by-election following the death of councillor Wayne Oakes, despite the council pushing for the role to stay vacant until later this year.
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The Victorian Electoral Commission has locked in dates for postal votes in the by-election in June with candidate nominations open between May 21 and midday May 26.
Coronagamite Shire mayor Neil Trotter said the VEC's decision came as a surprise to him on Friday, after the council had written to the state government asking it to postpone the election of a new councillor until general elections in October.
"The first we knew of the election was when it was listed in the Government Gazette, we weren't notified, and we thought that was poor considering we sent correspondence on the matter," Cr Trotter said.
Mr Oakes died in March as a result of lingering health issues and had served as a central ward member on the current council since 2018, following a resignation triggering a count back.
"The reason for the by-election is there are no other candidates so they couldn't have another count back provision," Cr Trotter said.
Around 5945 people are enrolled in the central ward, which includes the towns of Camperdown and Terang.
Cr Trotter said he would like to see "anyone who has an interest and wants to contribute" nominate for the by-election.
"I would like to see competition," he said.
But the mayor said it could be a limited appointment given the council would go into caretaker mode from September. However he added it was an opportunity for a candidate with plans to stand at October's general election.
"Incumbency probably does give anyone a leg up when it comes to the next council elections," Cr Trotter said.
"It means they are coming in under time with the coronavirus and there will be quite a lot of pressure on the council."
He said the councillors found it difficult not being able to attend Mr Oakes' funeral due to coronavirus restrictions. "Wayne was a popular councillor and we really feel for his family," Cr Trotter said.
VEC returning officer Colin Riley said residents must be correctly enrolled by 4.00pm on Friday May 1.
"Voting in local government elections is compulsory if you're enrolled and are an Australian citizen between the ages of 18 and 70, and we strongly encourage eligible people over the age of 70 to have their say," Mr Riley said.
The commission will mail ballots in the second week of June and close voting on Friday June 26.
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Jackson Graham
Jackson is a reporter for The Standard.
Jackson is a reporter for The Standard.
