DISAPPOINTING, but not surprising.
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That's how mayor Kathy Sajowitz has described the second postponement of the Oberon Council election - this time from September 4 to December 4.
It comes after the state's council elections were postponed last year due to the pandemic.
The delays mean the nine serving Oberon councillors have had more than 12 months added to their term.
"This was something metro councils in hotspot areas understandably lobbied for," Cr Sajowitz said.
"Ultimately, we all need to be safe.
"This means that the community has extra time to ensure they are on the electoral roll and prospective councillors extra time to campaign.
"The Oberon Business and Tourism Association's Meet The Candidates Forum scheduled for August 9 has also been postponed until a later date."
The new delay for the Oberon Council election will mean two mayoral elections in quick succession.
"As per the legislation, Oberon will need to conduct a mayoral election in September when the current two-year term is concluded," Cr Sajowitz said.
"I will be nominating as mayor and Cr Mark Kellam as deputy mayor for a further three months, ensuring stability and continuity for council.
"In December, all councillor positions will become vacant. After the election concludes, a further mayoral election will take place."
NSW Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the decision to delay the election had been made following extensive discussions with the NSW Electoral Commission and NSW Health in relation to the COVID situation in Greater Sydney.
"We have taken this step to postpone the election to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities, voters, polling staff and candidates," she said.
The NSW Government says voters will be able to participate in the December council elections in person, by post or online and pre-poll voting will begin two weeks before election day.
Nominations, which had been due to open on Monday, July 26, will instead be postponed until October 25.