Reviewing Councillor Numbers

This consultation has concluded.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is reviewing the number of councillor positions to gauge if there is broad support for a reduction prior to the general Local Government elections in September 2012.
The move is part of an overall policy and procedural review to ensure that the newly elected Council has a solid and structured platform of governance in place.
Council Administrator, Garry Payne believes that the issue will meet with a great deal of community interest.
“I have raised this issue at a number of recent community meetings and there seems to be general support in discussing a reduction in numbers. For a long time now I have watched Councils with a smaller number of elected representatives and I believe they work well together and deliver better outcomes for their communities.
“This is something that we won’t be rushing into. Extensive community consultation will occur before any final decision is taken," said Mr Payne.
According to the Local Government Act a change in Councillor numbers must be subject to a constitutional referendum.

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Should the number of Councillors be reduced prior to the next election?

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Do you agree with reducing the number of Councillors on Port Macquarie-Hastings Council prior to the 2012 Local Government election? What would you nominate as your preferred number of Councillors?

by PMHC Project Coordinator 28 Oct 2009, 11:00am | 1361 views

Should the Hastings be divided into wards?

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Should the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area remain as a whole or be divided into wards for election purposes? If divided into wards representatives from each ward would then be elected onto Council.

by PMHC Project Coordinator 28 Oct 2009, 10:57am | 833 views

Should Councillors act on behalf of certain locations?

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Do you believe Councillors once elected should be assigned to represent certain locations (i.e a Councillor assigned to Wauchope or Camden Haven)

by PMHC Project Coordinator 28 Oct 2009, 2:49pm | 1088 views

Should the Hastings continue to have a popularly elected Mayor?

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Currently the Mayor of the Hastings is elected by the voters as part of the Council election process. Do you think this system should be retained or should the Councillors vote among themseleves to elect a Mayor.

by PMHC Project Coordinator 28 Oct 2009, 10:53am | 1218 views