ALPINE Shire mayor Peter Roper won't be seeking another term on council irrespective of whether local government elections go ahead or not in Victoria later this year.
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Cr Roper said after three terms on council he would not be going on and cited the stability within council as one of the main reasons to step aside.
"We've got a great CEO and the management team has stepped up to the plate," he said.
"I've said that in the past, but definitely this time around I am not going to stand again.
"The best thing realistically is to postpone them.
"But I think that the minister (Adem Somyurek) will be pushing for elections to go ahead and he will get his way."
IN OTHER NEWS
Wodonga mayor Anna Speedie stated in mid-April if there was an easing of restrictions in the state the elections would proceed.
But she declined to comment when contacted.
"As this will be determined by the minister, and we are unaware of any direction, changes or otherwise, the mayor has no further comment until we get that direction from the state government," a council spokeswoman said.
Indigo mayor Jenny O'Connor couldn't be contacted.
Victorian Premier Dan Andrews began winding back restrictions on Monday.
The Municipal Association of Victoria surveyed councillors last month on the fate of elections with overwhelming support for them to be postponed to 2021.
Moira mayor Libro Mustica said he was in favour of holding elections after preferring they be deferred.
"If the Premier comes out in the next month and eases off on a substantial amount of rules then let it happen," he said.
"I don't want to be given the position unless there is turmoil all around us and people are still panicking.
"If we are telling people they can open their cafes and restaurants by the election time or a month before then, I believe we should allow people to have their say."
Moira Shire will remain un-subdivided at the next election after the state government reversed a Victorian Electoral Commission recommendation for a three-ward council based largely on the growth of Yarrawonga at the eastern end of the council area..
Wangaratta mayor Dean Rees believes they will go ahead.
"Given there has been no announcement like NSW, the minister wants them to go ahead in October," he said.
Towong mayor David Wortmann said he expected the government to announce elections would be held
"With the way the Premier has spoken in recent days, and beginning to open things up, it's 50-50 now," he said.
Cr Wortmann is expected to re-nominate.
Mr Somyurek's office said: said: "We're continuing to work with councils to consider the implications of coronavirus on their operations including the welfare of staff, compliance with the Act and elections."
