The sole female councillor in Orange, Joanne McRae, has resigned nearly four months before the next election.
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Cr McRae, a former deputy mayor, used a live Facebook post on Monday morning to explain the reasons for her move.
She said the state government's decision to delay the council elections from September to December was the key reason.
I can't keep doing both of these things and do them well
- Cr Joanne McRae
Cr McRae said she could not continue to share her time between running a medical practice and being a councillor.
"The further extension for another three months has just meant that I can't continue to be a councillor for Orange City Council," she said.
"I can't keep doing both of these things and do them well," she said.
Cr McRae said she had notified Orange City Council CEO David Waddell and the other councillors of her decision.
She said she had been on 12 council community committees, the Clifton Grove committee as well as being elected deputy mayor after winning a seat on council at the 2017 polls.
"I've really enjoyed the opportunities I've had, loved being the deputy mayor" she said.
"I will be stepping down effective immediately."
She said she would be able to spend more time with friends and "looking after myself."
Cr McRae had previously indicated she was not planning to stand again at the 2021 polls now to be held on December 4.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions her term has been extended from the usual three years to four and would have involved a further three months.
Her resignation leaves just 10 councillors in Orange.
Cr Mario Previtera died while in office last year.
Mr Waddell thanked Cr McRae for her time at council.
"Cr McRae has been a thoughtful, engaged and diligent councillor," Mr Waddell said.
Cr McRae's position on council will remain vacant until a new council is elected.
The Office of Local Government has already advised that councils will not be required to hold by-elections to fill vacancies or to apply to the Minister to dispense with the requirement to hold a by-election before ordinary council elections are held in December.
"We still have a lot of work to do until the December 4 poll and we will be focussed on continuing to deliver for the Orange community," Mr Waddell said.
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