Cowra councillors have applauded the NSW Government for postponing local government elections until September 2021, calling the move a "sensible approach".
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Following the passage of the COVID-19 Legislation Amendment (Emergency Measures) Act 2020 (NSW) by the state government in March, Minister for Local Government, Shelley Hancock announced council elections set down for September 2020 will now be conducted in September 2021.
At the April committee meeting, Councillor Ray Walsh said having an election during the COVID-19 pandemic may result in potentially new council members facing difficulty with economic challenges.
"I think this is a very sensible approach by the state government," he said.
"I feel also it would be very difficult, even if an election was to take place, it would be very difficult for a new council coming in, especially if there's a number of new members, not knowing just where we are going to be financially, and various other things such as the Visitors Centre and the Caravan Park.
"I think this is a very sensible thing to have happening and I applaud it."
Councillor Judi Smith noted the decision to postpone would result in the next term of office being shortened to three years.
"Apart from a one year extension of the current term, it means that the next term of office will only be three years," she said.
"It also means that this particular council, in September, will need to conduct elections for the mayor and deputy mayor as per the state government legislation amendment."
