GO AHEAD FOR COUNCIL ELECTIONS – 24th October, 2020

As a result of the currently decreasing COVID-19 infections, the State Government (State Medical Officer and Minister for Local Government) has given the go-ahead for Victoria’s Local Council Elections to proceed as planned – via postal voting with a closing date of 24^th October, 2020. 

The official campaign being from 22^nd September (candidate nomination date) to 24^th October (election day). 

 As

• Planning and Council’s role in Planning will yet again be a highly contentious election issue in October and
• COVID-19 restrictions* will dramatically change the usual electioneering practices – instead of the candidates coming the electorate, the electorate will need to seek the candidates in the virtual world (social media and on-line community forums) to ensure making an informed vote.
  

the forum presents a rare opportunity for residents to “ASK THEM ANYTHING” about Planning and Council’s view of it’s role in Victoria’s Planning Processes – a good start when later deciding who to vote for in the Council Elections.

 The on-line forum format includes

• a short overview of Council’s role in planning
• a short discussion on key themes from what audience members are interested in hearing more about (presumably based on questions lodged during registration)
• live questions from the audience

To attend the Zoom Forum you must register – FORUM REGISTRATION

GERA again encourages all residents to register for tomorrow’s (Thursday 20/8/2020) ON-LINE PLANNING FORUM.

Footnote:

State Government Council Electioneering Guideline during COVID-19 restrictions

Stage 4 Restrictions (currently to mid-September) – candidates in metropolitan Melbourne would effectively be banned from campaigning outside their homes, including doorknocking, leafleting, attending campaign events and advertising on billboards and posters, for as long as stage four restrictions remain.

Stage 3 Restrictions (if stage four restrictions are lifted mid-September) – prevent candidates convening or attending meetings in open spaces or private residences, door-knocking and attending community events. However, they would be allowed to drop election material into people’s letterboxes, hand out leaflets and advertise on posters and billboards

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