Published on Thursday, 1 June 2023 at 11:45:52 AM
Katherine’s by-election on Saturday July 15 will aim to fill two vacant councillor positions at Katherine Town Council.
“It would be great to attract councillor candidates who are passionate about Katherine and where we are headed,” Katherine mayor Lis Clark said.
Council is holding a candidate information session next Wednesday June 7 at the Civic Centre, from 5.30pm to 7pm, to explain the process of nominating and what being a councillor involves.
“Consider if you are already doing things that make you a community leader,” Ms. Clark said. “Are you interested in the future of Katherine and our services and facilities?”
Councillor nominations will open for one week from Friday June 16 to noon on Thursday June 22. Candidates can source nominations forms online. They must provide a headshot and details of the person who is nominating them. They will also need to ensure they meet requirements to be a councillor such as not having a rates debt.
Ms. Clark urged residents to talk to people they think would be a good candidate and let them know you are willing to support them with a nomination.
“It’s astonishing what we can do as peers to motivate people in our community,” she said. “There are a lot of humble but worthy people in our town who would be great for this role, and we need these people to stand up and make a difference.”
Photo: Katherine mayor Lis Clark
A by-election is one that is held during the current elected four-year term. Council currently has five elected members, after two councillors left their positions earlier this year, and requires seven.
Successful candidates from this by-election will only have to commit to two years before the next general election is held in 2025, when all elected members will need to stand again.
Councillors help with the direction of council and can submit initiatives to be heard at council meetings. While candidates may have their reasons for running, they represent the community and will need to work with other councillors to get motions passed.
Current issues have focused on reducing waste to Katherine’s landfill, development ideas for the Katherine Aquatic Centre, continual greening of Katherine, and working with the Territory Government to develop a heavy vehicle alternate route for Katherine.
Councillors are paid an allowance of about $20,000 for the year, and they are expected to attend monthly council meetings and other obligations, as well as engage with the community. They receive $4,000 to be used towards their personal development, such as attending a conference.
Photo: Current Katherine Town Council elected members
After councillor nominations are received, there will be a community Meet the Candidates event in the lead-up to the election. This will be held on Saturday July 1 from 10am to 11.30am (location to be determined).
“Being a councillor is a noble opportunity to serve the Katherine community,” Ms. Clark said. “This is the time to consider whether Katherine could benefit from your special set of skills.”
Go here for the by-election timeline and councillor nomination information.
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