East
Gippsland Shire Council is represented by nine councillors, who are each
elected for a four-year term. There
are criteria to meet to be able to stand for council, and some people are not
allowed to stand for council. These people include undischarged bankrupts,
people disqualified from managing corporations, and others. Council
creates opportunities for residents and ratepayers to influence and participate
in the decisions that shape our society and local communities.
Being
a councillor means talking to many people to understand the needs and wants of
the community. East Gippsland covers a large area and not all townships will
have the same issues or priorities. As
well as making decisions on areas of council responsibility, councillors push
for investment in local projects and infrastructure at state and national
levels. They also raise issues of importance to the region, such as climate
change, mining, and coal seam gas. Called advocacy, representing the community
in this way aims to address issues that affect the wellbeing of the area. One
of the main roles of a councillor is to work with other councillors to make
decisions in the best interest of the community. Councillors will be given
reports, background information and advice on each issue from council officers.
East
Gippsland Shire Council generally meets formally once a month to consider these
reports and make decisions. It is important that council’s decision-making
process be open, accessible, and transparent, except in limited situations
where confidentiality is needed. The
time Councillors spend on their duties varies, but is usually between 10 to 20
hours a week. Councillors should expect to attend at least one meeting a week.
To stand for council, you pay a $250 nomination fee to the Victorian Electoral Commission and complete a form. You will have the fee returned if you’re elected to Council or you receive at least four per cent of the total number of first preference votes.
Nominations close on Tuesday, September 20 and the election will be conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission by postal ballot. For more information on the election, or standing as a candidate, visit www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/election.
To stand for council, you pay a $250 nomination fee to the Victorian Electoral Commission and complete a form. You will have the fee returned if you’re elected to Council or you receive at least four per cent of the total number of first preference votes.
Nominations close on Tuesday, September 20 and the election will be conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission by postal ballot. For more information on the election, or standing as a candidate, visit www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/election.
