Kiama Municipal Council has been informed by the Office of Local Government that its request for a temporary reduction in Councillors will not be approved.
Following Council's unanimous resolution at last Tuesday night's Extraordinary Meeting, CEO Jane Stroud wrote to NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig to seek approval from him to temporarily reduce Councillor numbers from nine to eight until the 2028 elections.
Unfortunately, Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald was informed on Monday by the Office of Local Government that approval was unable to be granted and that the by-election would proceed as planned.
"We respect the OLG's decision and will move ahead with the by-election next month," Mayor McDonald said.
"It was worth asking for dispensation as the expense of $200,000 for a by-election is a cost that myself and the Councillor team, and our broader community, could well go without while we are so closely monitoring our budget under the state-imposed Performance Improvement Order.
"It's disappointing that there is no discretion, but we accept and respect the decision.
"I wish everyone putting their hand up to serve our community all the very best."
Nominations for candidates open on 13 July and will close at midday on 22 July. The ballot draw will be held at 10am on 23 July.
Pre-polling voting opens on 15 August, with voting to be closed at 6pm on Saturday, 22 August.
