What to know about the Local Government elections
Voting is compulsory for eligible residents at the Local Government elections .
This year ’ s council elections have been rescheduled to Saturday 4 December , 8am to 6pm , under NSW legislation .
The NSW Electoral Commission is working with NSW Health to implement COVID-safe measures for polling venues .
Check your local council website to see where and how you can vote .
Here ’ s the basics on what you need to know about these elections :
Voting is every four years Local government elections are usually held in NSW on the second Saturday in September every four years . At local government elections voters in each local government area elect councillors to their local council . This year all 125 councils in NSW are taking part in the elections . A local government area can be either : - undivided , where the councillors are elected by all voters in that area , or
- divided , where the council is divided into wards , from which an equal number of councillors are elected for each ward .
Councillors are elected for a four-year term , and the number of councillors elected varies from council to council .
Am I eligible to vote ?
You can vote in the local government elections if you are an Australian citizen , or a British citizen who was enrolled to vote in Australia on 25 January 1984 , and are aged 18 years or older , and have lived at your current address for at least one month .
You only need to enroll once with the Australian Electoral Commission to vote for all three levels of government . If you are not sure whether you are enrolled to vote , you can check your enrolment details online at roll . elections . nsw . gov . au or call 1300 135 736 .
Casting a vote before election day : Early voting , pre-poll and postal voting is available .
Online and operator assisted voting ( iVote ) is available for people with a disability , require assistance , live more than 20 kilometres from their nearest polling place , are silent electors or will not be in their local government area on voting day . Where to vote : Go online to check the latest information on the electorate at : elections . nsw . gov . au .
Voting is compulsory for eligible residents
Mary Lyons-Buckett . Independent . People not Parties . STRENGTH FROM DEEP COMMUNITY CONNECTION
with Mary Lyons-Buckett
Having grown up in country NSW , Mary embraces the friendly , unique , semi-rural atmosphere of the Hawkesbury , as well as the strong community values shared by many of the residents .
She believes a council with a strong vision for the future can allow the huge potential of the Hawkesbury region to be realised .
The Hawkesbury ’ s natural attributes are well worth preserving and must be preserved , if the identity and character that we know and cherish is to be retained
Mary and her team are rich in skills , diversity and experience can deliver an independent voice on behalf of the Hawkesbury community .
Lead candidate Mary Lyons-Buckett supported by strong local voices , presents a group , deeply committed to independent representation in Local Government , with a clear vision for the Hawkesbury of the future . With a wealth of untapped potential and many opportunities to maximise it as a unique locality on the city ’ s fringe , the challenge ahead for Hawkesbury is implementing a balance between preservation and growth .
For a SAFE , CARING , CONNECTED , COMMUNITY
Our key focus will be on combining advocacy , investigations and delivery around current Local Government services and obligations . Addressing costshifting from other levels of government , ensuring equitable distribution and access to services and facilities , promoting sustainable and appropriate development , and committing to translating the visions of our community into reality , will be our key focus .
To enable us to thrive , our community must be resilient and capable of withstanding the many challenges we face ; we must grab opportunities and sometimes take risks ; we must ensure we utilise ratepayers funds to deliver equitable and required infrastructure , facilities and services ; we must generate opportunities within our Council for young people to access apprenticeships and traineeships ; we must foster the talent emerging and already existing in our vibrant creative and performance arts sector , with one day delivering a space for performances and civic festivities ; we must continue the transition to a cleaner economy and protect the viability of our agricultural land .
We offer grassroots representation with connections across the Hawkesbury , cognisant of both the challenges and opportunities we all face . We are open to hearing diverse perspectives and working to develop solutions . We offer total commitment to our community , free of any external influences and divisive political control , raising issues on behalf of all of you .
Our team of Mary Lyons- Buckett ; David Gearin ; Emma- Jane Garrow ; Peter Ryan ; Stacy O ’ Toole , Richie Benson and Tara Vigouroux are representative of multiple sections of the Hawkesbury , its organisations , localities and perspectives .
Between us we have extensive knowledge of many facets of Hawkesbury life and a deep understanding of what our community expects of a Council , especially areas requiring improvement .
We strongly believe in leadership that delivers unity over divisiveness , where community are listened to and respected . Communication lines between council and residents must be effective and deliver outcomes , with transparency and accountability at the fore .
We share strengths and commitment , yet each of us brings additional expertise and knowledge . We know we can deliver .
We all care about preservation of our precious environment , our heritage , our local employers , our youth , our future opportunities , and that we generate a safe , inclusive , welcoming , sustainable and vibrant space for our residents . We know there must be change but we believe the community as our major stakeholder must be involved in determining the impacts and benefits of any changes to ensure we do not lose what we value most .
To learn more about us visit our website peoplenotparties . com . au , Facebook and listen to our podcast ‘ Talking Local ’ on Soundcloud .
For a SAFE , CARING , CONNECTED , COMMUNITY
Authorised by Mary Lyons-Buckett 90 Kurrajong Road , Kurrajong 2758
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 138 // NOVEMBER 2021 19