A frustrating technical malfunction has thrown a spanner in the works for Surf Coast Shire Council, forcing them to postpone the much-anticipated announcement of who will fill a vacant councillor position.
The council was scheduled to reveal the successful candidate this week following a countback process, but digital difficulties have put everything on hold.
What Went Wrong?
Council officials have confirmed that the delay stems from technical issues affecting their ability to properly process and verify the countback results. While they haven't disclosed the exact nature of the glitch, they've assured the public that resolving the problem is their top priority.
The vacancy emerged when former councillor Libby Coker was elected to the federal seat of Corangamite, creating an opening that has attracted significant community interest.
Community Reaction and Next Steps
Local residents and candidates alike are left waiting as council IT specialists work around the clock to fix the issue. The delay has created uncertainty about the timeline for when the new councillor will officially join the council chambers.
A council spokesperson expressed frustration at the situation but emphasized that ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the election process remains paramount. "We understand the community's interest in this appointment and we're working diligently to resolve these technical challenges," they stated.
The council has promised to provide regular updates on their progress and announce a new timeline for the vacancy announcement as soon as the technical issues are resolved.
