Gippsland › Latest news › Wellington Local News
Wellington Shire Council's 'Election Period' from 17 September to 26 October 2024 ensures neutrality, focusing on routine services
From 17 September to 26 October 2024, Wellington Shire Council's 'Election Period' will enforce neutrality under the Local Government Act 2020, limiting communications to routine services and avoiding election influence.
From Tuesday 17 September until Saturday 26 October 2024, Wellington Shire Council will enter the 'Election Period' as part of preparations for the upcoming local government elections. During this time Wellington Shire Council must adhere to the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020 and council's Election Period Policy, ensuring all communications remain fair and neutral.
Local council elections occur every four years in October, run by the Victorian Electoral Commission. Our next Election Period starts 24 September 2024, with policy reviews required each term
Election period communication
While most council services will continue as usual, the most significant change is that no major decisions will be made that could either bind the incoming council or influence the election outcome. Throughout the Election Period, council's communications, including distribution of newsletters and posts on Facebook and Instagram, will focus exclusively on regular council activities.
These will be limited to information about ongoing services and responding to enquiries unrelated to the election or its outcomes. Importantly, there will be no mention of current or prospective councillor candidates, nor will any council or councillor achievements be highlighted during this time.
Additional changes during this period include restrictions on community engagement, major planning scheme amendments, community grant allocations, media and communications, and policy adoptions. These rules are designed to maintain neutrality and fairness, in alignment with the expectations of the Local Government Act 2020.
Election period policy
As a precaution, starting from the announcement of the ballot draw for running candidates on 18 September, council will manage and monitor any comments on its communication platforms that may be perceived as attempting to influence the election.
To read more, visit Wellington Shire Council's Election Period Policy website. For more information, contact council's governance team on 1300 366 244.
Pictures from Wellington Shire Council Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Darren Chester and Cycling Without Age Gippsland bringing joy to Buchan locals with first trishaw rides through Caves Reserve
Darren Chester welsomes Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment with multi-million dollar funding to boost community facilities
David Littleproud urges Labor to reinstate interest-free Regional Investment Corporation loans for flood and drought-affected farmers
Have your say and help shape Baw Baw Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026 - 2029 round 2 by 29 June 2025
Latrobe City Council secures battery backup to boost community energy resilience at Moe/Newborough and Churchill
Magpie geese spotted! Rare sightings in Maffra and Bairnsdale underscore importance of Gippsland wetlands
Join the East Gippsland 'Rising Strong 2025' community resilience forum with keynote Speaker Lucy Kaiser on 6 June 2025
Statewide drought support and ESVF pause a win for farmers, but fight for fairness continues
Bath criticises Labor blocking immediate 'Machete Ban', prioritises politics over community safety amid rising knife crime
