A decision by the state government to postpone the local government elections for 12 months was warranted to help ensure the community maintains well-being, according to the shire's mayor.
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The state's local government minister Shelley Hancock elected to postpone all local government elections for 12 months on March 25 due to the coronavirus pandemic after the passage of emergency laws through state parliament granted her the power to defer elections.
Mrs Hancock said the decision was a "regrettable" one but one necessary to ensure the safety of voters, candidates and NSW Electoral Commission staff.
"Local government elections are a vital part of the democratic process, ensuring local councils are accountable to their local communities," Mrs Hancock said.
"This decision provides certainty for local councils, communities and election candidates.
"The decision to postpone them has not been taken lightly."
The postponement means the Leeton Shire election, which was earmarked for September 12, has been pushed back a year.
As a result, all councillors will maintain their civic offices for another year before voters are due to go to the polls in September 2021.
Leeton Shire will still have an election this year however, as councillors will need to elect a mayor in September when Leeton mayor Paul Maytom's two-year term expires.
Councillor Maytom was re-elected into the role in 2018 and has held the position for 16 years.
Cr Maytom said the decision to push back the election was "the right decision" in order to protect members of the community.
"We have to lead by example," Cr Maytom said.
"Holding it [in September] would be a risk to the public."
"We have to set that standard [to maintain community well-being]."
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Cr Maytom said when it comes to September's mayoral election, while he hopes to do his part to continue to serve the community, the decision will ultimately be in the hands of his fellow councillors.
"Councillors will make the decision, not me," Cr Maytom said.
"I enjoy leading this shire and will continue to do whatever I can to do my best."
The postponement will not change the date of the following election, with local government elections due to go ahead in September 2024.
Local Government NSW president Linda Scott welcomed the move to postpone elections and said the move will allow for stability in a time of crisis.
"Councils are the closest level of government to the community, and we are only too aware of the need to keep our communities safe and healthy," Councillor Scott said.
"Mayors and councillors are working hard to ensure good governance continues during the COVID-19 crisis and will continue to do so.
"When asked to serve for an additional year, I'm confident mayors and councillors will understand the need to provide stability and continuity of governance."
The postponement of elections will also have implications for council's activities under the current and next integrated planning and reporting cycle, with the state's Office of Local Government seeking to extend the current cycle for another 12 months, with a shorter three year cycle to follow afterwards.