Vital information for Bega Valley Shire Council elections

With the Council elections this weekend, the following is important information about two issues, including one of focus here, the replacement of Cuttagee Bridge with a two lane concrete structure.

The motion that Council replace the bridge still stands. We hope new, understanding, aware people are elected to have this decision reversed.

The letter was sent to a local paper but not published. Please keep Councillor Voting History, including the note about the mayor vote,  in mind if you are eligible to vote for BVSC.

Remember Councillor Voting History

Council elections are being held this Saturday, 4 December to elect 9 councillors from 18 nominating candidates. You need to vote at least 1 to 5 in order of your preferences for them. There are 5 existing councillors who are candidates: Fitzpatrick, Allen, Seckold, Nadin and Griff. The existing Council has been in office for 5 years.

Council decisions on local issues often affect your day to day lives more than federal and state government decisions which have more widespread impact. Your vote also counts for more in the Bega Valley Shire. In 2016 there were only 19,542 formal votes and as few as 1,635 votes after preferences elected a councillor.

When casting your vote, it is important to have regard to councillor voting history on some issues, particularly where councillors are voting counter to a strong local community view on an issue.

In the Bermagui surrounding area there have been two recent issues where most councillors have voted against a strong local community view, namely:

Voting 5 to 2 to demolish the single-lane timber Cuttagee Bridge in favour of a two-lane concrete bridge (candidates Fitzpatrick, Allen, Seckold and Nadin voted to demolish, candidate Griff voted against).

Voting 4 to 3 in favour of DA for 9 additional shooting days by Bermagui Field and Game Club when 129 residents (nearly all) within 5km of the Club petitioned for rejection of DA (candidates Fitzpatrick, Allen, and Nadin voted in favour, candidates Seckold and Griff voted against). The Club has subsequently requested this DA be withdrawn.
It is important that we elect community minded councillors that have due regard to strong local community views on issues.

You will also be asked to vote on whether our Mayor should continue to be elected by Councillors or be a popularly elected Mayor chosen by the people; effective at 2024 elections. Councillor Allen has historically polled most votes.

Information on candidates’ background, locality they live in and their primary objectives for Council can be found on the Bermagui Community Forum website, refer 18 November Update.

Geoff Steel

Bermagui