Prepare to vote – By-Election set

A by-election will be held this December (Saturday 14th) for Woodlands Ward within Moorabool Shire Council.

The by-election was triggered by the passing of Councillor Pat Toohey, and will be held by post.

The Returning Officer, Mark Taylor, has issued a call to Woodlands Ward residents and ratepayers to be ready to have their say.

‘You must be correctly enrolled by the close of roll, which is 4.00 pm on Friday 18 October. If you’re an Australian citizen and you’ve recently turned 18, or recently moved and haven’t updated your address, enrol online at enrolment.vec.vic.gov.au by the close of roll,’ said Mr Taylor.

There are also special enrolment categories for owners, occupiers, company nominees and people who are not Australian citizens but pay rates for an address in Woodlands Ward.

‘If you’re a landlord for a property in Woodlands Ward, you run a business or you’re not an Australian citizen but you pay rates and would like to vote, you can apply to Moorabool Shire Council to enrol. Call the council before 4.00 pm on Friday 18 October on (03) 5366 7100 for further details.

‘Remember, voting in local government elections is compulsory if you’re enrolled and are an Australian citizen between the ages of 18 and 70, and we strongly encourage eligible people over the age of 70 to have their say.

‘Local councils make decisions regarding community facilities and services that affect all local residents and the local business community, so it’s important that a range of voices are represented through voting in this by‑election.’

Around 3,330 Victorians are enrolled in Woodlands Ward, which includes the towns of Blackwood, Blakeville, Gordon and Greendale.