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 Meander Valley Council
The council covers an area of more than 3820 square kilometres, extending from Prospect Vale, to Kimberly.
With 14,939 enrolled electors, the Meander Valley Council is the third largest council area by population in the state’s North and North-East.
Six incumbents have renominated to stand for election, with 13 nominated candidates all together. The council has just nine spots to fill.
Five people are standing for mayor and three for the deputy position.
Meander Valley Council had 14,401 enrolled electors in 2014, and 53.81 per cent of those voted.
More than 7740 votes were returned, with 146 votes deemed ineligible.
There were 13 candidates who stood for council, two people stood to be mayor and three people contested the deputy mayor position.
Who is running?
Incumbent mayor Craig Perkins, and councillors Bob Richardson and Ian Mackenzie will not re-contest their positions.
In their place, seven new names will join those running for a spot.
Two of the newcomers – UTAS’ Susie Bower and Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association’s Wayne Johnston – will join the race for mayor with councillors Andrew Connor, Rodney Synfield, and John Temple.
Another newcomer, Michal Frydrych, will run for deputy mayor alongside incumbent Michael Kelly and Councillor Tanya King.
Former City of Launceston deputy mayor Frank Nott has signalled his intention to return to local government, announcing his candidacy for Meander Valley Council. He was elected as an alderman for City of Launceston council in 2002, eventually going on to serve as deputy mayor from 2009-11.
Some key stories
Survey
Now, what are the five most important issues for you? Let us know below.
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Journalist at The Examiner Newspaper
Journalist at The Examiner Newspaper
