Only three sitting Berrigan Shire councillors have confirmed their intention to stand for election this September, as a campaign calling for change gains momentum.
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Another three have told the Southern Riverina News they will be retiring at the end of this term.
Confirming their candidacy are Mayor Matt Hannan and Councillors Roger Reynoldson and Daryll Morris.
Stepping down will be Crs John Bruce, Denis Glanville and Colin Jones.
Cr Ross Bodey is still undecided, and Cr John Taylor could not be contacted before going to print yesterday.
As reported last week, two community members have already announced their candidacy for the September 4 vote — Tocumwal’s Mandy Bonat and Berrigan’s Renee Pain, who both cited a need for greater female representation on council as a reason.
At the same time, an ‘eight good reasons for change’ campaign has been launched by Tocumwal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.
Intended to create a ‘‘shake up’’ in local government representation, chamber will actively encourage community members to stand for council.
It will also host a series of town hall meetings on important local topics.
Chamber president Sergio Redegalli said the meetings will be a chance for all candidates — whether they have local government experience or not — to get a handle on the issues the community wants addressed by the new council.
‘‘We’d like to ask community members to put their hand up if they are interested in becoming councillors,’’ Mr Redegalli said.
‘‘Once we have a sufficient number of people, we would help organise meetings in every (shire) town so people can meet potential councillors, and those potential councillors can get to understand what is actually concerning the citizens of the shire — it’s a two way street.
‘‘By doing this sooner rather than later, there’s more chance of understanding what the issues are.
‘‘The community needs people who are interested in our community and it’s up to all of us to make a difference.
‘‘People may have thought about standing for council but don’t know how to do it, and we (chamber) can try and help them with that too.
‘‘It’s no good complaining about our councillors after they are elected.
‘‘This is a chance for people to put their hand up to be a councillor and give the community the chance to communicate before the election so we are all on the same page.’’
Between them, the retiring councillors have had 45 years experience in local government.
More than half of that has been served by Cr Bruce alone, including time served as mayor.
He said it was time for ‘new blood’ on council.
‘‘I will not be seeking re-election,’’ he confirmed.
‘‘I’ve been there for 23 1/2 years, so I think it’s time someone else had a go.’’
Cr Glanville (nine years on council) is also confident younger quality candidates can fill his place easily.
‘‘I will be retiring at this election; I just think it’s time,’’ he said.
‘‘I’d like to promote it to younger people to try and get interested in local government, because I think there are some very good potential candidates out there.’’
Cr Jones said after 13 years on council, he feels he is ‘‘too old’’ to serve another term.
‘‘I’ll miss it; it’s been a good experience,’’ Cr Jones said.
Crs Hannan, Reynoldson and Morris have each said they would like more time to progress their key priority areas.
‘‘I’ve been happy with the way council has been going; we’re financially viable, which is important, and we’re lucky with the grants, so we have plenty of infrastructure going ahead,’’ Cr Reynoldson said.
‘‘As far as I can see it’s just a case of continuing to manage it well.’’
After nine years with council, Cr Morris said, ‘‘I’m not finished yet’’.
He said his focus for the next term would be prioritising thorough communication with shire communities.
‘‘I want to try to improve the Berrigan Shire in any way I can,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s already becoming one of the number one places to move to and to live in.
‘‘I’d like to try and improve the communication between council and the communities, because I believe there’s not enough community consultation in a lot of areas.’’
Cr Hannan said he still has the ‘‘drive to continue doing what I’m doing’’.
‘‘I have enjoyed my 13 years on council thus far, and I believe I’m still passionate and still have the drive so I will stand at the coming election.’’
Cadet journalist