Eligible residents, property and business owners, and renters across the Grant District Council are being encouraged to take action and cast their vote in the 2022 council elections.
Council chief executive Darryl Whicker said this year’s elections were a key opportunity for the District Council’s voice to be heard, particularly as it included the plebiscite on council amalgamations.
“It is important to submit your vote and have your say on who should represent you at a local level,” he said.
“The 2022 council elections are doubly important seeing the inclusion of an additional vote seeking the support of an examination of an amalgamation between Grant District Council and City of Mount Gambier.
“This year it is crucial to ensure your perspective is heard on the State Government’s plebiscite concerning the possible amalgamation between both councils.”
Mr Whicker said his council’s appeal for a majority vote in each council community “to allow for equal representation” was not included when the Bill passed State Parliament last month.
To ensure that residents are informed on the process of the plebiscite being a simple majority vote and the approach following the vote, the Local Government Association (LGA) is facilitating community information sessions.
The first session was held online last week, with two in-person sessions to be held in Mount Gambier and Port MacDonnell tomorrow.
The LGA announced bookings are essential for the online session and details of the locations and times of the in-person sessions will be provided once confirmed.
“It is imperative that our community participates in these upcoming sessions to ensure you have all the facts before lodging your vote,” Mr Whicker said.
“In addition to the plebiscite, the primary function of council elections is to secure the best array of representation for our community over the next four years.
“Being able to make an informed decision is equally as important in this process.
I encourage the community to seek further information about each candidate to submit an educated vote.
“Please make your vote count.”
Ballot materials, including a paper for the plebiscite, have started being mailed to electors, with voting to close on November 10.
Visit the Local Government of South Australia’s website at www.lga.sa.gov.au/news-and-events to register for one of tomorrow’s LGA’s community information sessions.
