Cr Jane Bange

Here I am thinking this month will mark the sign-off on my tenth, and last, budget for the City of Mitcham as I intended to step down at the end of this term, in November. However, it now seems highly likely that local government elections will be deferred until next year, though, at the time of writing, this has not yet been confirmed.

The reason given for pushing out these elections is that the Electoral Commission South Australia (ECSA) is not currently capable of planning and conducting these elections in a few months’ time. It’s certainly a strange situation, given that local government elections are postal and non-compulsory, so there are no polling booths for the SEC to staff and certainly less votes to count as participation rates in South Australia are low. The ward I previously represented, The Park, usually has the highest voter response at just under 40%, and my current ward, Overton, the lowest, at under 20%.

There is speculation that perhaps other considerations are at play, with mention of council amalgamations or that elections may become compulsory. No doubt in time, confirmation about the timing of the next elections will be forthcoming. This delay does serve, however, as a reminder that local government doesn’t have much autonomy, coming, as it does, under the jurisdiction of the State Minister for Local Government and so the state controls much of what we can, and can’t, do.

By the time this MCN edition is published, the 2026/27 Annual Business Plan (budget) will have been adopted. I am strongly in support of funding increased opening hours for our two libraries. Despite now having two fantastic library facilities, our communities continue to have limited access. Of course, Councillors and staff are aware of the financial challenges posed by soaring food, fuel and accommodation costs, and are mindful of keeping this year’s rate rise as modest as possible, commensurate with maintaining existing services.

Extending library hours would be an increase to an existing level of service and necessitate additional staff. However, it is precisely in tougher times that the need to use public facilities such as these will, I believe, increase significantly. Instead of buying books and toys, more people will likely borrow them from our libraries. People can also choose to enjoy a free cuppa and sit for unlimited time in our lovely public spaces without feeling like they are taking up a table in a café and need to move on.

Extending library hours will mean earlier opening times and no early closing on Friday afternoons. I feel this will assist more families, especially grandparents, to bring children to our libraries and not just cram a visit into already busy weekends. Also, teenagers, after a busy week at school, will be able to hang out Friday afternoon with friends at the libraries if they so choose.

This article may contain personal views or opinions held by individual Council Members, and may not necessarily represent the formal position of the Council