On Saturday, September 4, the community will be required to vote for eleven new councillors to represent the region over a three-year term. The council will then elect the mayor and deputy mayor.

The Express understands most current councillors will be running for council again, although a couple are undecided, and one has confirmed they will not.

Armidale Regional Council's general manager James Roncon is asking those who are passionate about making positive change in our community to consider nominating as a councillor.

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"These elections are an opportunity to revitalise our region, and we are seeking a diverse range of dedicated and passionate residents to take action and represent our wonderful community," he said.

While there has been speculation that Armidale Mayor Ian Tiley will permanently move to his farm on the coast next year, he said he is still undecided.

"For now, I am solely focussed on undertaking the role of mayor to the best of my ability," he said.

"I will decide in July whether I will nominate for election to the next council."

For health reasons, Cr Andrew Murat said he would not be nominating for council again.

"If we get the right people in there, it will be good," he said.

"It's a challenging thing to get involved with. More so at the moment, as we really have very little control under the Performance Improvement Order the way things are.

"There is definitely potential there with the airport business park and the renewable energy hub.

"These are exciting projects that will bring a lot of money into the region, and there are a lot of things people can work on, but you need people with a basic business idea that can make things work."

The possibility of the same council team being elected is causing Cr Jon Galletly to reconsider running again.

"If it is the same old orangutans putting their hands up, then I don't think I can do it," he said.

"I'm happy to put my hand up, but I can't put up with the same stuff. We need change and people that haven't got their own little grudges to bear and want to do the best for the community.

"We just need people that can work together.

"There has never been a team here - the councillors chop and change.

"They'll be on your side one day; then they'll jump over the other side because they're offered something better. You can't have people like that on the council.

"You've gotta be a people person; you've gotta be able to listen and absorb stuff and then have a bit of compassion and empathy."

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Cr Peter Bailey said the council needs to drive growth and prosperity.

"The Rail Trail, Airside Business Park and revitalising the mall are all projects we must move forward towards bringing them to reality," he said.

My focus is on ensuring whoever is returned and voted in doesn't lose sight of our Guyra residents and our regional and rural voters.

"We must also continue to be prudent economic councillors to ensure in 18months time we are in a stronger position.

"And we need to reduce our Water charges by a minimum of 20 percent without impacting the budget."

Mr Bailey also stated ensuring Armidale's beach ( at Dumaresq Dam) comes to fruition without blowing the budget by councillor input on the scope of work was on his agenda.

"I am going to strive to develop partnerships with our magnificent service clubs to ensure they become partners in projects with council," he said.

This year's election will be held in conjunction with an important constitutional referendum to determine whether the number of councillors should be reduced.

"Council will be asking for every voter's say in whether there should be a reduction in the number of councillors from eleven to nine in the future," said Mr Roncon.

"The result of this won't take effect until 2024.

"Voting in the Local Government elections is compulsory for everyone living in the Armidale LGA.

"This is an opportunity for everyone to take action and have their say on important issues facing our community."

For information on what is involved and how to nominate, visit www.elections.nsw.gov.au

Nominations for candidates commence on 26 July 2021 and close at 12 noon on 4 August 2021.

Postal voting applications commence on 27 July 2021 and close at 5.00pm on 30 August 2021.

Pre-poll voting commences on 23 August 2021 and closes 3 September 2021.

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