Council considers community chosen mayor
A briefing will be held for Northern Beaches councillors to discuss whether to change the process of choosing the mayor to a popular vote.
Under State Government legislation, no less than 12 months ahead of an ordinary local government election the Council must decide the number of councillors for the following term.
While the elected body voted to keep the number at 15, a last-minute point put forward by Councillor Rory Amon and assumed into Cr David Walton’s motion will see the elected body briefed on the implications of moving to a popularly elected mayor.
Northern Beaches Council currently has the equal highest number of councillors in NSW, with this number divided evenly across the five wards of Frenchs Forest, Manly, Narrabeen, Curl Curl and Pittwater.
Should Council wish to move to a popularly elected mayor, a referendum would need to be put to the Northern Beaches community at the 2024 local government elections. If this was passed, a popularly elected mayor would be chosen by the community in 2028.
Despite Council’s decision to stick with 15 representatives, the referendum would also have to propose changing the ward boundaries and the number of councillors.
This is because each ward requires an equal number of councillors, and the popularly elected mayor would be in addition.
Speaking at the meeting, Cr Kristyn Glanville argued reducing the number of councillors could result in the ‘homogeneity’ of Council and reduce democratic representation.
“I think the composition of a 15 person chamber encourages diversity in a positive way and means that different parts of the community can feel represented,” she said.
Meanwhile, Cr Walton argued research on effective governing bodies, including commercial boards, has shown seven to 10 members is ideal for decision-making.
“Research shows that too many on a board stifles effective debate, it slows decision-making for the worst, and creates factions, which we’ve seen,” he said.
“Not only would there be a cost-saving from reducing the number of councillors, there would be improved debate and outcomes for the community.”
Council must make a decision on whether to propose a referendum on a popularly elected mayor before September 2023.