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BRIMBANK residents could wait until as late as September before being told if they will be voting in October’s local government elections.
Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell has the ultimate say over whether the area will return to democracy or continue under administration for four more years.
The minister’s spokesman said legislation to keep Brimbank under administration would have to pass Parliament by September 20, the date for the close of nominations for 2012 council elections.
“The minister is currently assessing what is the best option for the community served by the Brimbank City Council.”
The elected council was sacked by then Local Government Minister Richard Wynne in 2009 following a scathing report by the Victorian Ombudsman.
Sacked councillors Marion Martin, Margaret Giudice and former mayors Troy Atanasovski and Sam David have all indicated they may stand as candidates.
Ms Powell’s spokesman said there was nothing to stop former councillors contesting the election, but the minister would carry out ongoing consultation with key stakeholders and the administrators.
Council chairman Peter Lewinsky said the administrators’ advice to Ms Powell and departments had been “in accordance with progress made against the council plan”.
He said administrators had not been sounded out by any member of government to continue in the role.
“Our appointment was for three years as outlined in the legislation and, if an extension were to be canvassed, we would consider our position at that time.”
