Leeton shire residents turn out with renewed interest in 2021 local government election

It has been more than five years since the last local government election was held, with the extra year courtesy of the cancellation of the 2020 vote amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Voters in Leeton shire this year had 16 candidates to choose from, all of whom who will be nervously following tonight's count once polling booths close at 6pm.

Many councillors have been out and about during the day at the various polling booths, speaking with community members as they seek election.

Speaking with The Irrigator outside the Madonna Place polling booth was councillor hopefuls Sandra Nardi and Krystal Maytom.

"I think this time around there is a lot of interest in who the candidates are and who is running," Ms Nardi said.

"It's become very talked about. People are invested and are really started to care about who is representing them on council, which is really good. I think you can put some of that down to council being very proactive in the last couple of years.

"People are seeing that are they are taking notice. I'm excited for the results, but nervous as well. It's been great to have 16 candidates put their hand up. Last election we had 15, so it's good to have an extra one there this time and more women too."

With nine seats up-for-grabs, every vote certainly does count and make a difference.

Among those casting their vote on Saturday was Megan Martin, who said it was pleasing to see a good balance of candidates.

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"Those that are experienced on council and those fresh faces putting their hands up to look after the community," she said.

"Local government is so important. They (councillors) are the ones who live in the community and they are the ones we have contact with. They are the ones who have a little bit more clout with higher levels of government.

"I find it really important that we have a good council. We want them to have good governance over the funds the community entrusts in them, with our rates and things like that. We want them to provide good services, making our town attractive and appealing for business and for people to come and live here, as well as making it comfortable and enjoyable for those that do live here already."

With voting to get underway from 6pm on Saturday, the nine places could well be determined in the coming hours, but a result could also take some time.

Brian Rotherham was another resident keen to have a say during this year's vote.

"It is a good thing that lots of people have put their hand up this year," he said. "In the past there may have been some complacency about elections and all the rest. I think we've seen a renewed interest, which is good. That all bodes well for the future.

"There's a bit of a changing of the guard at the moment (on council), which is good. There's some familiar faces in there as candidates. It's all good for our area and for our town. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes of it (the election). There's lots of enthusiasm there and I'm looking forward to seeing some of that hit the ground."

Also up-for-grabs this year will be the position of mayor.

This isn't something residents vote on themselves as some other towns do, rather the elected councillors will vote for the mayor and deputy mayor at a coming ordinary meeting.

Council hopeful Patty Bowles said she had enjoyed the campaign process in 2021.

"I'm feeling much more confident today than when I first started. I've been getting good vibes from people," she said. "A lot of people are talking to me and realise the importance of today. Many have concerns they want to raise. This includes roads, footpaths and things like that.

"Hopefully I am elected and can assist with these matters. It's also been great to see so many young people take an interest in voting. There's been some first-time voters come through and it's been wonderful to have a chat with them. They are showing an interest."

There's plenty of issues residents would like to see addressed by the incoming council.

Those include making the town's hospital a priority, as well as getting the basics right, strengthening the economy and working to build a sustainable future for the shire.

Elisa Kingsbury is one of those residents.

She said it was important for the incoming council to strive towards a positive future for the shire.

"I grew up here, moved away for a long time and now I'm back," Mrs Kingsbury said. "Local government is important, I believe, in shaping our community. To be able to advocate for us and be able to gain funding for things to happen around town is important."

Another candidate doing the rounds of the polling booths on Saturday was Krystal Maytom. She told The Irrigator even if she wasn't to be elected, she believed the shire would be in good hands.

"It's anyone's game. There's 16 great candidates," Ms Maytom said. "The people of Leeton are lucky to have choice in who they want to elect, which is the best thing. It's up to the people.

"Hopefully I will be elected. Either way there is a really good pool of candidates. I think Leeton will get a good council irrespective of who is voted in."

You can follow along with The Irrigator's live coverage of the vote count here later this evening.

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