URALLA Council has opted not to hold a bi-election to fill the seat of late councillor Karen Dusting.
Cr Dusting died earlier this month and was farewelled by hundreds at her Uralla funeral service.
At Council’s ordinary meeting on Monday, councillors heard her seat will remain vacant until the local government elections are held in September.
Acting general manager George Cowan said it would be “impractical” to hold a bi-election, given the looming date of the general election.
“A casual vacancy caused by the passing of a sitting councillor would normally be filled via the holding of a bi-lection within three months of that occurring,” Mr Cowan said.
“However, in this instance with the normal general election of councillors only three months away, it is recommended that council adopt the option of seeking ministerial approval to not holding a bi-election.”
Monday’s meeting was the first ordinary meeting of Council since the popular councillor’s death. Mayor Michael Pearce commenced proceedings by paying tribute to Cr Dusting, dedicating his Mayoral Minute to commemorating her involvement in the wider Uralla community.
“Karen loved her role as a councillor and always contributed to council meetings,” Cr Pearce said.
Councillors and Council staff observed a minute’s silence for Cr Dusting as a mark of respect.
Cr Dusting’s husband Mark Dusting remains as a councillor.
The Uralla Shire elections are set to be held on Saturday, September 10.
Uralla’s mayor will be elected by popular vote on that day.
