As hopefully you are aware, the election for a new council for Litchfield will be held on 28 November.

The cost of the election is expected to be around $100,000. The council has money set aside in an election reserve to cover this expense. The Northern Territory Government has kindly provided a grant of $30,000 to assist in defraying the cost of the election. In addition they have provided a grant of $20,000 to provide governance training to the new council which will assist them in becoming proficient as soon as possible.

The candidates for the election will be declared on Friday 6 November at 12noon. Their details will be available at www.ntec.nt.gov.au

I again urge the community to exercise their democratic right to choose who will represent them on the council.

The public are welcome to attend the next Council Meeting at 6.30pm Thursday 19 November in Council Chambers, 7 Bees Creek Road, Fred’s Pass. There will be a presentation regarding onshore oil and gas mining from the Department of Mines and Energy.

The Department of Sport and Recreation are asking for your input into a Sport and Active Recreation Master Plan. You are invited to participate in the focus groups to be held in Berry Springs on Tuesday 10 November 5pm to 6pm at Gary Higgins MLA Electorate Office Shop 4, Berry Springs Shopping Village, 10 Doris Road.

Nominations are open for Citizen, Young Citizen and Community Event of the Year. The Awards recognise personal achievements and community contributions by individuals and groups. If you think your friend, neighbour or family member volunteers their time for the benefit of the local community, please nominate them. The nomination forms are available at www.litchfield.nt.gov.au with nominations closing 6 January 2016.