Local government elections due for September have been postponed for 12 months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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The state government opted to postpone the elections after the state's 's local government minister Shelley Hancock was granted the power to do so via the assent of emergency laws on Wednesday.
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Mrs Hancock said the decision was a "regrettable" one but one necessary to ensure the safety of voters, candidates and NSW Electoral Commission staff.
"Local government elections are a vital part of the democratic process, ensuring local councils are accountable to their local communities," Mrs Hancock said in a statement released on Wednesday afternoon.
"The decision to postpone them has not been taken lightly but is necessary to ensure the health and safety of voters, NSW Electoral Commission staff and election candidates.
"The NSW Electoral Commissioner has also requested that the Government postpone the council elections."
Local councils across the MIA were due to go to the polls in September, with Griffith City Council, Leeton Shire Council and Murrumbidgee Council due to hold elections.
