A Kiama Councillor has begun a process that could lead to fewer councillors being elected to Kiama Council at the 2028 local government election.
Councillor Mark Croxford (pictured) has lodged a Notice of Motion to reduce the number of councillors elected in 2028 from nine down to seven.
“By reducing the number of councillors we can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of decision-making, optimising the ratio of councillors to residents, and passing on cost-savings for better allocation of resources across our community,” said Cr Croxford.
“After carrying out comprehensive research on the matter it is clear that the number of residents for each Kiama councillor is significantly lower than our neighbouring councils, and councils which are grouped in the same Office of Local Government classification as Kiama.”
“According to ‘Your Council’ published government data for the 2021 financial year Wollongong has one councillor for every 16,637 residents, Shellharbour has one councillor for every 8,695 residents, and Shoalhaven has one councillor for every 8,417 residents. By comparison, Kiama has one councillor for every 2,598 residents.”
Kiama is classified as a Group 4 council, along with 25 other councils in the same classification.
“Analysis of other Group 4 councils indicates that Kiama may be considered overrepresented compared to other councils in the same group,” said Cr Croxford.
“To get to this point two options were considered: reducing the number of councillors from nine to seven or from nine to five. The reduction to seven councillors strikes a balance between efficiency and representation, a ratio of approximately 3,384 residents per councillor, reflecting the analysis of neighbouring councils and optimising resource allocation. Reducing to five councillors may streamline decision-making further, with a ratio of 4,737 residents per councillor, but it may result in a higher representation ratio and limit effective representation and decision-making.”
He says Option 1 (reducing to seven councillors) is recommended for its benefits in governance effectiveness, and maintaining a representation ratio of approximately 3,384 residents per councillor.
“This reduction also generates an estimated annual savings of $43,460 on councillor costs alone, which can be directed towards community services and infrastructure projects, benefiting the residents of Kiama and achieving cost efficiencies in council operations.”
“Now that I’ve lodged my Notice of Motion, Council’s CEO must put the motion out for a 42-day public consultation period. Any submissions received during the period will help to inform the decision-making process.”
At its August scheduled meeting, the Council will vote on the motion.
“A successful resolution of the council, along with a summary of the public consultation submissions, must then be provided to the Minister for Local Government for consideration. The matter is then passed on to the NSW Election Commission for necessary action to enable a referendum question to be put to Kiama voters at the 2024 local government elections,” said Cr Croxford.
