2007 Council Election Report

On Saturday 20th October 2007, 448 electors (27.84% of the eligible electors) had their say on the future of the Shire, when they elected four councillors to fill the vacancies on Council.

At the close of nomination on 13th September 2007 five nominations for the four vacancies had been received and therefore an in-person election was required to determine who would be elected.

Nominations were received from the four councillors, whose terms were expiring in 2007 being Larraine Craven, Jim Pond, Chris Hawkins and James McLagan and a new candidate from the Watheroo area, Robert Keamy.

At the close of voting on 20th October 2007, the successful candidates were Robert Keamy (elected first), Chris Hawkins (elected second), James McLagan (elected third) and Jim Pond (elected fourth). The unsuccessful candidate was Larraine Craven, who has served as councillor since 2000.

Returning Officer for the election, CEO Steven Deckert said “The turnout of voters for this election was around the state average, though I was expecting a greater participation on Saturday following receipt of 237 early and postal votes by Friday night.” He went on to say, “On the whole, I was pleased with the running of the election, and everything went smoothly, particularly the computer software that was used for the first time to count the votes. This year saw the introduction of proportional preferential voting, based on the systems used in the upper houses in the Federal and State parliaments which is very complicated and the software made the count a lot easier.”

The Returning Officer concluded by saying “ I congratulate the elected candidates, who will serve terms expiring in 4 years time in October 2011. I would also like to acknowledge the defeated candidate Larraine Craven, who has served as a councillor since her election in 2000. Larraine has been a dedicated councillor and a strong community advocate during this time and wish her well in her future”.

Elected candidates will be sworn in as councillors prior to the Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday 24th October 2007.

For further information contact the Returning Officer, CEO Steven Deckert on 96511 401.