What are the key areas your council should be focusing on?
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With voter information packs for the 2018 local government elections set to land in the next fortnight, it’s a good time to start thinking.
We’re polling our readers on what the five key issues are for them – but first, some context.
The Northern Midlands
The council covers an area of 5,130 square kilometres, extending east-to-west from Mount St John to Liffey Bluff, and north-to-south from Relbia to Tooms Lake.
With 10,123 enrolled electors, the Northern Midlands is the fourth largest council area by population in the state’s North and North-East, with City of Launceston, West Tamar, and Meander Valley councils out-sizing it.
In 2014, with 9628 enrolled electors, the council had a vote return of 61.75 per cent – also the fourth highest in the region – compared to the statewide return rate of 54.58 per cent.
Who is running?
The incumbent mayor will be the only Northern Midlands Councillor not seeking re-election for their position, with a number of newcomers also throwing their hats in the ring.
All up, 15 candidates will vie for the nine council positions available – with seven of those not currently serving.
One of which is Jan Davis, a former Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive and Launceston Chamber of Commerce executive officer.
Councillors Dick Adams and Mary Knowles will also run for the top job, which incumbent mayor David Downie revealed he would not be re-contesting in a shock announcement at the September council meeting.
Cr Knowles has served on the council for nine years, with Cr Adams elected in 2014 after losing the federal seat of Lyons which he had held for 20 years.
The three will be joined in the mayoral race by another newcomer, Kim Peart of Ross.
Incumbent deputy mayor Richard Goss will again run for his role, alongside Cr Janet Lambert.
Some key stories
Survey
Now, what are the five most important issues for you? Let us know below.
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Matt Dennien
Matt Dennien is a journalist at The Examiner, based in Launceston. Contact him via email at matt.dennien@examiner.com.au, or more securely via Signal on +61 437 672 994.
Matt Dennien is a journalist at The Examiner, based in Launceston. Contact him via email at matt.dennien@examiner.com.au, or more securely via Signal on +61 437 672 994.
