The NSW Government has postponed the September local government elections in the face of the COVID-19 crisis.

A decision that will please some but also anger others in our community who have been vocally critical of the Lismore City Council in the last three and a half years.

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 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.

The ruling means that current Councillors and the Mayor will continue to hold their civic offices until the rescheduled local government elections are held in 2021.

If you were going to seek another term in office, this decision will be welcome with open arms but if you were were not going to seek re-election in September, this news is not so good.

Mayor Isaac Smith told the Lismore App "I will continue to serve the community to the best of my abilities. I have enjoyed the work and it's challenges". Mayor Smith took up the CEO role of Hart Services late last year, he said the extra twelve months will not be a problem for his new role. "I am finding a better balance as CEO because the time constraints are not as constant as the managers role", he said.

Mayor Smith confirmed that if some councillor were to resign within 18 months of an election they will not be replaced. "If they choose to resign in September this will be ok" he said, "This is a personal decision for each individual councillor".

The always up front councillor, Nancy Casson confirmed that she wasn't going to run again September but added that September was a little early for her anyway, "there are things I would like to do before I leave" she said.

Councillor Eddie Lloyd was of the same opinion as councillor Bill Moorhouse and that is to reassess the situation once the pandemic has settled down and life returns to normal.

"I wasn't going to run but I am happy to continue my civic duty" councillor Lloyd said. "Our community is going through a l great deal right now and I swore to serve so thick and thin", she added.

"As we get closer to September 2020 I'll reassess my position and make a final decision about the following year".

Councillor Bill Moorhouse echoed those thoughts, "I'll make a decision after the pandemic, I'm playing everything one week at a time", he said.

The postponement of the elections will not change the future schedule of council elections, and the subsequent elections will still proceed in September 2024.

This was something that angered Councillor Casson. "The problem with this announcement is that it disadvantages independent candidates", she said, "It costs a lot of money to run as an Independent. It's fine if you belong to a major political party as they'll support your costs but it's not fair to independents that have to find more money three years later".

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 at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au

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.

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.

COVID-19 Information and Updates

Council has launched a COVID-19 information page with the latest information and advice about changes to Council facilities and services. The page contains important links to useful websites and fact sheets on assistance for residents and businesses. Residents can ask staff questions online via the Q&A function, view ongoing news updates and join the community forum to share stories and experiences. To view the page, visit: yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au.