The NSW Electoral Commission has called for a local government by-election in the tiny council of Hunters Hill, after the surprise resignation of a first-term councillor in October.
A date of December 12 has been set for the election.
What happened: On October 14 independent south ward councillor Marc Lane tendered his resignation from Hunter’s Hill Council.
Via his councillor website, Lane claimed his resignation was due to “the toxicity of the chamber”, in particular citing “the behaviour of the Liberal majority”.
Lane, a city planner by trade, sat as one of two independent councillors on the Liberal majority council headed by Mayor Zac Miles.
In his term he was particularly critical of the Gladesville Shopping Village redevelopment championed by the majority of council.
Monday evening's council meeting began with lengthy speeches from Councillors Carla Kassab, Carol Tannous-Sleiman, Tatyana Virgara and Mayor Zac Miles, all of whom defended their conduct at council against the allegations of “toxicity” made by Lane.
Councillor Ross Williams, the only other independent on the council, backed up Lane's comments.
“There have been several occasions where I have not felt safe or comfortable while participating in proceedings in this chamber”, he said.
Williams moved to commission an independent review of the workplace culture at the council. The amendment was accepted 5 – 1.
How much: A clear figure on how much the by-election will cost Hunter’s Hill Council is currently not available, but will be provided by the NSW Electoral Commission by Friday.
The election will have a one week period of prepoll voting for residents who may be travelling for the Christmas break.
The details: The south ward of Hunters Hill captures the suburbs of Woolwich, Huntleys Point, Henly and Hunters Hill from Matthew Street eastward.
Nominations for the election will open on November 2 and close at noon on the 11th. A result is set to be declared by the 31st of December.