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.