Council prepares for

election and referendum

Central Coast Council is preparing to welcome back councillors following NSW Local Government Elections, to be held on Saturday 14 September 2024.

5 June 2024

 

ON the same day as the election, voters will also participate in a referendum to determine the future number of Central Coast councillors.

 

Voters will be asked to respond ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the referendum question: ‘Do you favour a reduction in the number of Central Coast councillors from fifteen to nine?

 

This will result in three Wards with each Ward electing three councillors’.

 

As this a constitutional referendum, voting is compulsory and if carried, the changes will take place from the 2028 term of Council.

 

Central Coast Council CEO David Farmer said Council is well prepared for the return of councillors.

 

Council resolved to hold a constitutional referendum in 2021 following community consultation where 78% of community members indicated they would support a reduction in the number of councillors and wards.

 

“However, the referendum was postponed until the 2024 Council elections due to the public inquiry and Council being in Administration,” Mr Farmer said.

 

“As we move towards a re-elected Council, Council will have run three consecutive surpluses and repaid $100M of its emergency debt. Importantly also, we have a comprehensive councillor induction program to ensure our newly elected representatives are fully informed and supported to carry out their roles effectively.”

 

Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart said he urges the community to read and understand the referendum’s key arguments for and against the reduction in the number of councillors to inform their vote and influence how they would like to be represented in the future.

 

“This important decision is in the community’s hands, with the outcome of the referendum coming into effect from the 2028 Council term,” Mr Hart said.

 

Council has held two information sessions on the election and referendum, with a further two sessions now confirmed, including one to be hosted by the Australian Local Government Women’s Association.  This session will have focus on encouraging women to consider standing for local government.

 

Details of the upcoming sessions are:

 

• Session 3: Saturday 22 June 2024 - “Getting Women Elected” – hosted by the Australian Local Government Women’s Association; Time:  1pm – 4pm; Venue:  Erina Centre, Erina - To Register visit: Saturday 22 June information session

 

• Session 4: Tuesday 16 July 2024; Time:  6pm – 8pm (doors open 5.30pm); Venue: Erina Trust Community Hall, 27 Karalta Rd, Erina NSW  - To Register visit: Tuesday 16 July information session

 

All information about the upcoming election, including polling locations and candidate information can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website in the lead up to the elections.

 

Information about the constitutional referendum and councillor information sessions, can be found by searching for ‘election and referendum’ at www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au