Caretaker provisions are now in place covering the 4th December, election campaign. During this caretaker period, the Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) cannot make any major policy decisions or allow councillors to inappropriately use resources during the election period
“Inappropriate decisions and actions by council during caretaker include things such as publishing or distributing election materials intended to influence someone’s vote,” Mayoral candidate David Grace said, “or entering into any contract or undertaking that involves an expenditure or receipt of more than $150,000 or 1% of the council’s revenue and rates.
“Determination of a 'controversial' Development Application or extension of an existing controversial DA -- one for which at least 25 people have lodged objections – is also not allowed during caretaker.
“If residents believe for example a councillor standing for re-election is inappropriately using council resources, or a developer is extending the scope of work beyond the DA boundaries, we want to know about it because immediate action would need to be taken to stop this,” he said.
The caretaker period concludes at 6pm on election day 4th December.
“The new council will not be responsible for making any decisions until at least its first official ordinary meeting after the election,” Mr Grace said.
“No ESC logos, letterhead, or other council branding can be used for, or linked in any way, to a candidate’s election campaign,” Mr Grace said.
Above: The NSW Electoral Commission is to be formally asked on Monday to adjudicate on the video posted by Andrew Constance on November 5th,2021 that shows him with Mayoral Candidate Rob Pollock whilst Mr Pollock is wearing a Eurobodalla Council logo on his shirt.
Note that the video was posted on November 5th at 19:34pm - The caretaker for the Local Government elections commenced at 12.01am on Friday 5 November and runs until 6.00pm on Saturday 4 December 2021.
Note also that the content has no relevance to the Eurobodalla Council. The video is little more than a thought bubble that suggests an idea whilst using the social media platform of a Local State member as a means of promotion.
Under the Candidate handbook 2021 NSW Local Government elections Handbook for parties, groups, candidates and scrutineers
Use of coats of arms, logos, trademarks: The coats of arms, logos, trademarks of local councils and other public or private organisations are the property of those bodies. It is recommended approval is obtained from those bodies before they are included on electoral material. The NSW Electoral Commission will not request that distribution of such electoral material cease, however, those bodies may take legal action against persons involved with the material.
Under the Eurobodalla Local Government Elections (Caretaker Period provisions), 2.2 Council Resources:
Given that Councillor Pollock is still a Eurobodalla councillor until December 4th and the above video has him attired in Council issued branded Corporate Clothing it may be found that there is due reason to raise a formal Code of Conduct complaint with the Office of Local Government to determine if he is in breach.
Pre-Polling Venues 22 November 2021 to 3 December 2021
Batemans Bay: Mackay Park Function Centre, Vesper Street Fully wheelchair accessible Open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm
Moruya: Mechanics Institute, Page Street Fully wheelchair accessible Open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm
Narooma: Leisure Centre, Bluewater Drive Fully wheelchair accessible Open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm Source
