Geoff Helisma

The election of Clarence Valley council’s nine councillors cost $577,468 (ex GST), however, that total was reduced to $398,739 (with GST) as a result of the NSW Government implementing a “COVID deferral discount” of $214,978.

The three largest election costs were $316,198 for event staffing ($218,093 with discount), $95,357 for venue hire ($41,642 with discount), and $55,328 for information technology ($22,159 with discount).

Other expenses were ballot papers, call centre, event management, logistics, postal voting and voter awareness.

CVC’s overall evaluation of the election found that “it did not attract a notable quantum of feedback—either positive or negative—and, as such, can be evaluated as successful, particularly given the COVID-19 circumstances”.

Regarding operational details, the report to CVC’s June ordinary meeting noted, “This election was atypical in that it was postponed twice—first from September 2020 to September 2021, then to December 4, 2021.

“Both postponement decisions were based on the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There were 28 polling booths across the electorate, all in the LGA.”