Caretaker period begins

WITH nominations for council now closed, the City of Greater Geelong has entered the election period – commonly referred to as ‘caretaker period’.

So, what is caretaker period and what does this mean?

Well, firstly, that is why I am speaking to you now instead of a councillor.

During the caretaker period, the City of Greater Geelong cannot feature councillors in anything we publish.

This includes media releases or responses to questions from journalists, promotional material and councillor columns – like the one you would normally see in this publication.

Not only is this a legal requirement under the Local Government Act – it helps ensure the elections are fair.

Many of our current councillors are running for office again, and featuring them in City-issued columns could give them an unfair advantage over other candidates.

Instead, the chief executive officer – or acting chief executive officer in my case – must act as chief spokesperson for council until the caretaker period ends.

As the name suggests, the City will act as caretaker during this period, keeping the almost $400 million of services that we provide for our community running, while holding off on making any major decisions until the next council is elected.

Once the next group of councillors are sworn in, they can vote on these decisions on behalf of their community as your representatives.

This is why voting in the upcoming elections next month is so important. Voting in the Greater Geelong election is more than just a civic duty—it’s a powerful way to influence how our city is run.

As your representatives, councillors vote on the projects and policies that decide Greater Geelong’s future.

One important way you can help shape our future, is to vote for the candidate or candidates that you believe will best represent you.

This election, the City of Greater Geelong will also have a new ward structure – instead of four wards with 11 councillors, the 11 councillors will each represent one of 11 new wards.

If you are reading this publication, the wards that will matter most to you will likely be Cheetham, Corio, Kardinia, Hamlyn Heights and You Yangs.

These five wards cover an area stretching from Staughton Vale and Balliang to Fyansford and across Geelong to Moolap.

For more a full list of the new wards, I encourage you to head to vec.vic.gov.au/electoral-boundaries/local-councils/greater-geelong-city-council

This year voting will take place via a postal ballot only and the Victorian Election Commission will mail ballot packs to all enrolled voters beginning Monday, October 7.

Voting closes on October 25, so please make your voice heard this election and have your say on how your city is run.

I can’t wait to work with the next group of passionate, dedicated and community-minded people who you choose to represent you.

For more information, head to vec.vic.gov.au/voting/2024-local-council-elections/greater-geelong-city-council

Troy Edwards

Acting chief executive officer, City of Greater Geelong