TENTERFIELD has voted to retain its council’s five wards, following a referendum at this year’s council election.
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Mayor Peter Petty supported the abolition of the ward system, but he told The Leader he respected the decision and wouldn’t push the point in the next council.
“It’s healthy for council to look at these things. It had never been looked at before,” Cr Petty said.
The shire went to the polls on September 10 to chose its next council, and the residents and ratepayers were also asked if they would favour removing wards and voting for all 10 Tenterfield councillors. The proposal was rejected, with the ‘no’ votes taking out 56.58 per cent of the poll.
“My argument was that council represents the whole shire,” he said.
“There’s two councillors for each ward, there’s only an election in the ward if more than two candidates stand. I don’t believe this is right.
“It’s done and I fully respect the decision.”
The new council will meet for the first time next Wednesday.