Ward Boundaries Review

The Town of Mosman Park is seeking feedback from the community on ward boundary options. The initial public notice published advertised the closing date for public submissions as 7 October 2020, (rather than 7 November 2020). The public notice has been re-advertised, extending the closing date for public submissions to 14 November 2020.

Why is a review of ward boundaries necessary?

Under the Local Government Act 1995, all local governments are required to review their ward boundaries and elected member representation every eight years. The last review was carried out in 2012 when the outcome was that no changes were proposed to the ward boundaries or the number of elected representatives.

The purpose of a review is primarily to ensure that electors are represented equitably throughout a district. What this means is that if a district is divided into wards, the number of electors represented by one elected member is to be within +/-10% the same across wards. If a district has no ward boundaries, representation will always be equitable.

In addition to the ratio of elected members to electors, other factors Council must consider when reviewing its ward boundaries are: communities of interest; physical and topographical features; demographic trends; and economic factors.

What is involved in a review?

Council resolved on 22 September 2020, to review its current ward boundaries and elected member representation.

The community must be consulted as part of the review process. To assist the community, Council has approved the release of the Town of Mosman Park Review of Wards and Representation Discussion Paper to be made available during a six-week consultation period.

The Discussion Paper can be accessed via links to the right of this page, and provides details of two ward boundary options for consideration:

1. Retain the current North-South ward boundary.
2. Dispense with wards altogether.

Maps depicting each option can be accessed via links to the right of this page.

Council can consider options other than those specified in the Discussion Paper - including any the community may propose. Any option proposed must consider: communities of interest; physical and topographical features; demographic trends; economic factors; and the ratio of elected members to electors.

Results of public consultation will be taken into account when making a final recommendation to Council about ward boundaries.