Local election update - Oataway takes the lead in Hay

By Krista Schade

The NSW Electoral Commission has updated vote counts across the state, as postal and pre-poll votes are counted.

In Hay Shire, former Mayor Carol Oataway has taken the lead with 356 votes, including 106 pre-poll and 57 postal votes.

Mrs Oataway is closely followed by new candidate Will Miller with 345 votes (including 68 pre-poll and 14 postal votes).

Martyn Quinn has moved into third position on 198 votes, closely followed by Lionel Garner on 196.

Darren Tapper (132 votes) Geoff Chapman (95 votes) and Paul Porter seem likely to be elected as the eight-member council.

The final position will likely be decided between David Townsend, currently on 80 votes and John Perry (71 votes). Steven Young received 20 votes in the updated information.

In Balranald Louie Zaffina has polled 233 votes, closely followed by Dwaine Scott on 230.

The pair secured the vast majority of votes, with Tracy O’Halloran coming in third position with 88 votes.

With eight council positions to be finalised, Alison Linnett (76 votes), Iain Lindsay Field (72), Philip Pippin (71) and German Ugarte (70) seem likely to be elected.

Preferences and final postal votes could be the difference between Patricia Winch (36 votes) and Leigh Byron and Morgan Rasmus (32 votes each) securing the final spot.

The final three candidates are Lynda Moss (22 votes), Ron Mengler (18) and Brodie Rayner (6).

Final results will be announced next month, by the Commission.