By Charlene Macaulay
Elected councillors will not return to Brimbank until 2016.
Brimbank voters will not go to the polls in March, 2015, as planned, after the state government extended the use of administrators to coincide with statewide council elections.
Star Weekly exclusively reported last week that the state government was in two minds about reinstating councillors in March, 2015, and wasting money on two council elections in 18 months.
State Local Government Minister Tim Bull said delaying the election of councillors until 2016 would save ratepayers money and embed good governance until the return of elected representation.
“I have met with Brimbank residents and ratepayers and heard their concerns about the potential cost of $1.3 million in council rates if two elections are held within 19 months,” Mr Bull said. “A stand-alone election for Brimbank is expected to cost ratepayers $700,000, so the government’s decision will make a substantial saving for the community.”
Darlene Reilly, of the Sunshine Residents Association, was thrilled with the result.
“I’m glad that they’ve heeded the urging of the community,” she said.
“I hope they’ve seen all the improvements and the better management that the Brimbank administrators have done.”
Brimbank administrators chairman John Watson also welcomed the announcement.
“This consideration reflects concerns raised within the community regarding the costs to ratepayers and candidates of holding two elections within 18 months,” he said.
“The council is confident it can deliver a smooth transition back to elected representatives.”
