Hunter ward goes to polls

Liberal councillor Yvonne Coburn has resigned from her position on Waverley Council citing family problems.

The vacancy must be filled within three months which means a by-election in the Hunter Ward to elect a new representative.

Ms Coburn’s husband has been transferred to Melbourne for work and Ms Coburn said while the decision was “very difficult” she had to follow her family.

Waverley Mayor Sally Betts said she was sympathetic to Ms Coburn’s situation.

“Yvonne’s husband got transferred to Melbourne and they have a young daughter so obviously they need to make sure her schooling goes right,” she said. “Yvonne has moved to Melbourne, as one would.

“It’s unfortunate but family does come first and we have to understand that these things are beyond our control.”

Cr Betts said she had tried to run the by-election in tandem with the March 26 state election but was told it was not feasible.

“There is a process which needs to be followed. Originally we approached the electoral commissioner to see if we could run it in parallel with the state election but we were told categorically not. Then we decided to wait until after the election.”

She said the Liberal Party would call for nominations and she was confident they would retain the ward. Cr Betts said Labor and the Greens might not run candidates which could save the cost of a by-election.

But Labor councillor John Wakefield was incensed by the mayor’s “disrespect for the democratic process”.

“The arrogance of Cr Betts to claim that because her colleague Cr Coburn has resigned (the second to do so in four years) it is somehow the fault of those who don’t support her that we have to have a by-election,” he said.

“We feel it is much fairer to the residents of Hunter Ward to give them an opportunity to choose their new councillor by holding a by-election, even though the outcome may result in Cr Coburn being replaced by another Liberal councillor,” Greens councillor Mora Main said.

Labor councillor Ingrid Strewe said while she was not aware of the exact nature of the resignation she was disappointed by the need for another election.

“I’m very disappointed about having to have another election,” she said. “I think when people run for council they know they’ve got a four year term and if there are personal things that come up you can always get leave.

“It’s certainly going to be a costly exercise for everyone.”

Cr Betts has estimated the by-election to cost between $40,000 and $75,000.

“I thought it was about $40,000. It depends on what the process is and which ward and how many candidates; someone said $75,000 but I haven’t had that verified,” she said.