THE Mount Gambier mayoral race has been thrown wide open with prominent business leader Lynette Martin OAM announcing she will contest the upcoming local government elections.
Ms Martin will be among the contenders hoping to unseat incumbent Andrew Lee from the high-profile civic position.
Mr Lee – who will complete his first term as mayor – has already announced his intention to re-nominate for the mayoral position.
Speculation is also mounting there will be other contenders who may come forward for the tightly contested mayoral position.
Mount Gambier residents will go to the polls via a postal vote in late October/early November to elect a new mayor and team of councillors.
Announcing her mayoral aspirations exclusively to The Border Watch, Ms Martin said she hoped her 11 year association with the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce as president would stand her in good stead for the mayor role.
“I am standing for the position of mayor as I want to work with elected members, City of Mount Gambier employees and the community to keep on the journey so this wonderful city can reach its full potential,” Ms Martin said.
“I believe in collaboration, working for the greater good of everybody and the need to promote Mount Gambier as the best place to live in South Australia.
“When people think of South Australia, I want them to think of Mount Gambier, not just Adelaide.”
Ms Martin said it was important for residents to be proud of the Blue Lake city.
“I want to promote Mount Gambier as an alternative to living in capital cities given our wonderful climate and cost of living,” the mayoral contender said.
On the top of her list is the need to grow the city’s population, as well as luring new industry and investment to show the city was “open for business”.
“In order to do all of this, we need to ensure we have excellence in health, education and infrastructure, as well as a strong economy,” Ms Martin added.
“Work has already begun on growing our tourism industry and I have supported this as a board member of Tourism Mount Gambier and will continue that support.
“I have served on a number of community-based boards and worked closely with local, state and federal governments.”
Ms Martin urged people to have their say in the upcoming local government elections.
“These elections are the way for your voice to be heard. I urge you to exercise your right,” she said.
“I also encourage anyone with aspirations to stand for council to do so.”
Residents have until 5pm today to ensure they are on the House of Assembly (state) roll, and the council supplementary roll.
Residents on the House of Assembly electoral roll will automatically receive a voting pack in the mail in late October.
Nominations for council elections – which include the mayoral and council positions – open September 4 and close September 18 at noon.
Votes must be received by the returning officer no later than 5pm on Friday, November 9.
Voting in council elections is completed by posting your voting papers and is not compulsory.
