By Ewen McRae
A by-election will be held in Moorabool in December to fill the council vacancy following the death of Cr Pat Toohey.
Cr Toohey died on September 18 after a prolonged illness, triggering a vacancy in the Woodlands ward.
As Woodlands ward is a single councillor ward, the Victorian Electoral Commission said it does not decide the new councillor via countback, and has instead called a by-election.
Returning officer Mark Taylor said all eligible voters must ensure they were enrolled to vote by the end of the week.
“You must be correctly enrolled by the close of roll, which is 4pm on Friday, October 18,” Mr Taylor said.
“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.
“Remember, voting in local government elections is compulsory if you’re enrolled and are an Australian citizen between the ages of 18 and 70.
“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.”
About 3330 Victorians are enrolled in Woodlands ward, which includes the towns of Blackwood, Blakeville, Gordon and Greendale. Nominations for the election will be open from November 7 to 12. Voting will be held by postal vote, with voting packs mailed out between November 26 and 28. Voting closes on December 13.
