Sheryl Lowe, Naracoorte Community News

Former Wattle Range Councillor Rick Paltridge resigned on Tuesday 3rd August, effective immediately.

A first-time Councillor, he was a successful candidate for the Riddoch Ward in the November 2018 elections, but said it had become apparent he was the proverbial ‘square peg in a round hole’.

“Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a happy balance between the demands of a corporate entity such as Wattle Range Council with the needs and aspirations of my local communities, and my personal wellbeing and health.”

“I thought I was up for it! I was prepared to learn, to adapt, and to communicate openly, respectfully and frankly, but in the end that just wasn’t enough”, said Mr Paltridge.

He said he will miss working with other Councillors, as well as the theatre of Council meetings. He especially enjoyed the sometimes lively and passionate debates around contentious issues such as the future of the Millicent sale yards, the location of the new Council chambers, and the new ward boundary discussion, among many other issues addressed during his time as an elected member.

The councillor was outspoken last year at the October 2020 Ordinary Meeting. He urged his fellow elected members to delay the decision to build the proposed new council offices.

In his 5-minute window of opportunity to speak, he said ‘office space will shrink.’ Research shows business buildings post covid will change. Studies on remote work has shown it is the way of the future and that alone is a reason to delay building until ‘we’ know what the future holds, he said.

He also said mental health, job losses and an unknown future were reasons council should be cautious about spending on a multi-million-dollar build.

“Let’s wait until the dust settles (covid). We live in times of uncertainty and fear.”

After expressing his views on the proposed new build, the meeting resumed without discussion on the matter he had raised.

Well, “I wasn’t in it (the role of Councillor) to make friends,” he said.

“I will miss the ‘Chats with the Councillor’ in Penola on the first Friday of the month. I started them as a way of meeting local residents, and to help them interface with the Council in a more personalised and friendlier way.”

“I’d like to think that I did make a difference in the last two-and-a-half years on council. I’m not one for just handing out a business card!” “

I’ve been an active member on over 20 community and sporting organisations for 40 years, and have been willing to do what it takes to help people living in Penola and Coonawarra thrive and prosper.”

He will continue to work as a volunteer on various committees within the Limestone Coast, he said.

The former councillor’s resignation was accepted at the August Ordinary Council meeting with several of the councillors commending Mr Paltridge on his attention to detail and research abilities in matters of council.

Fellow Riddoch Councillor Dean Burrows requested that a card he had purchased be circulated among elected members and staff to be signed and sent to Mr Paltridge.

Mayor Des Noll said it could be included with the letter of thanks from Council to Mr Paltridge.

With 15 months to the next local government election, filling the vacancy created by the former councillor’s resignation will follow the Electoral Commission’s process. Details will be released in due time. The cost of the election is estimated at $15,000.

Wattle Range Council has been contacted for comment.

This article appeared in Naracoorte Community News, 18 August 2021.