General News
8 September, 2024
Council nominations open Monday September 9
THE Victorian Electoral Commission last night was due to hold a candidate information sessions in Wedderburn. Nominations for next month’s Loddon Shire elections open on Monday. The most interest has been in Tarnagulla Ward where three people have...
THE Victorian Electoral Commission last night was due to hold a candidate information sessions in Wedderburn.
Nominations for next month’s Loddon Shire elections open on Monday.
The most interest has been in Tarnagulla Ward where three people have announced they will challenge first term councillor Linda Jungwirth - Laanecoorie electrical engineer Nick Angelo, Arnold farmer Carly Noble and Moliagul businesswoman Charmain Shepherd.
There has been speculation that a fifth candidate could emerge before nominations close on September 17.
Farmer David Weaver is the only person to announce they will stand in Boort Ward where former mayor Cr Neil Beattie will retire after more than 20 years in local government.
Current mayor Gavan Holt has said his preference is to retire at this election but would “not leave the (Wedderburn) ward in the lurch” if there was no other candidate.
He told the Loddon Herald last month that if he did seek another term, it would be his last.
Sitting Terrick Ward councillor Dan Straub, who served two years as mayor in his first term on council, has said he is running again. And the third first-term councillor elected at the 2020 polls, Inglewood Ward’s Wendy Murphy is also putting up her hand for another four-year term.
The Loddon Herald has been told that challenges could be mounted against both Cr Straub and Cr Murphy.
Voting is compulsory in local government elections.
Ballot packs will be mailed to enrolled voters October 7. The VEC says completed ballot material must be in the mail or delivered to the election manager by 6 pm on October 25. People away during that time can vote early from 10am September 18 at the VEC’s Loddon election office, 37 Peppercorn Way, Serpentine.
Induction of new councillors will be held after results are known and a mayor elected in November.