Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) won’t fill a vacant position on council following the resignation of councillor Edwina Webster.
The councillor, who resigned from her role for personal reasons this week, has been thanked for her service to the community.
“Cr Webster will be missed as a part of council and we wish her well,” Mayor Kenrick Winchester said.
She was first elected at the local government elections in December 2021, in which she ran as an independent and was on Mayor Winchester’s ticket.
“Cr Webster is a dedicated advocate for our rural villages and farming families and always a passionate councillor, particularly around issues close to home in Bungendore, representing her community with energy,” the mayor said.
“She took a specific interest in the Molonglo Rail Trail, finding solutions for the lead contamination along the railway line in Bungendore and Captains Flat and the proposed Bungendore High School.
“As a local volunteer, Cr Webster has been championing the needs of our sporting associations in the development of the Bungendore Sports Hub and new swimming pool.”
She also served on various committees during her time on council, including the Lake George Bush Fire Management Committee, Lake George District Liaison Committee, Lake George Emergency Management Committee, Bungendore Floodplain Risk Management Committee and the Mick Sherd Oval Canteen Committee.
People thanked Cr Webster on social media after the news was announced.
“Thank you Edwina for your tireless commitment to the Bungendore community,” one said.
“Thank you Edwina for your service to our community. All the very best for your next chapter,” another said.
QPRC said as it was within 11 months of the next election, to be held on 14 September 2024, it was not able to use countback provisions to fill the vacancy.
It will apply to the Minister for Local Government to not fill the vacancy and operate with 10 councillors until the election next year.
Cr Jacqueline Ternouth had resigned in December 2022 and afterwards the NSW electoral commission conducted a countback to fill this vacancy which was filled by Cr Ross MacDonald.