COUNTING is underway in the Snowy Monaro Regional Council elections with Reuben Rose of Jindabyne and Beloka on track to win a spot on the new Council.
While the results will not be officially declared by the NSW Electoral Commission until early October, it appears Mr Rose will secure one of the 11-Counciilor positions.
At the time this masthead went to print on Monday afternoon, Mr Rose, the lead candidate of Group F, had 966 first preference votes. This placed him about 300 votes ahead of the progressive quota, and third out of the 60-candidates contesting the election.
The Labor group led by deputy mayor Tanya Higgins was leading the count with 1,421 first preference votes, ahead of mayor Chris Hanna’s Group C on 1,288 and Cr Luke Williamson of Group A on 931 votes.
Mr Rose said the count shows Snowy Monaro voters, particularly those in the Jindabyne and Berridale areas have an appetite for change.
“Voters we have heard from want a change and improvement,” Mr Rose said.
“We need better governance, transparency and financial management.
“There is serious dissatisfaction, it’s most clear in Jindabyne and Berridale areas.
Jindabyne's Nick Elliot is in contention for a spot on Council as the second candidate in Group H. Group H, led by Bombala's Bob Stewart, is expected to collect a sizeable chunk of the Bombala pre-poll votes still to come.
Election coverage continued on page 7