Constitutional Referendum

Introduction

Constitutional Referendum on Councillor and Ward numbers

A Constitutional Referendum to determine the future number of Central Coast Councillors will be held at the same time as the local government election for Central Coast Council on 14 September 2024.

The referendum will ask Central Coast voters to determine the following 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.’

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Ward Structure

The Central Coast Local Government area is currently divided into five wards with 15 councillors. Each ward is represented by three councillors.

The Entrance Ward
Wyong Ward
Budgewoi Ward
Gosford West Ward
Gosford East Ward

Community members will be asked to vote on whether they feel the current structure of 15 Councillors should be reduced to nine Councillors.

The reduction of Councillor numbers would also require the reduction of Wards in the Central Coast Local Government from five to three, with each Ward to be represented by three Councillors.

ROLE OF A COUNCILLOR

Councillor’s role and responsibilities

Councillors are the governing body of a council similar to the way that a Board of Directors is the governing body of a private corporation.

Councillors are expected to represent the views of the whole community (key stakeholders) while making decisions in their interests, demonstrate conduct that the community expects and deserves, and plan and oversee the running of a significant and complex business of Council.

One of the most important roles of a councillor is to participate in policy decision-making on behalf of the community. Councillors ideally work as a team to make decisions and policies that guide the activities of the council. Policies can be defined as the principles and intent behind the programs that a council implements.

IMPORTANT

Things to remember

Voting in the referendum is compulsory for all Australian citizens over 18 who reside in the Central Coast Local Government Area.
The outcome of the referendum will be introduced at the Council election that follow the 2024 election. NSW Council elections are usually held every four years.

Status quo

Maintain existing: 5 wards and 15 Councillors

For

A larger number of Councillors may mean that electors feel they are adequately represented.
A larger number of Councillors may mean there is more diversity on Council with different points of view.

Against

A larger number of Councillors may lead to less cohesion and poorer decision making.
A larger number of Councillors will be an ongoing cost for Council.

Reduce the number of Councillors

Reduce to 9 Councillors and 3 Wards

For

Reducing the number of Councillors may lead to greater cohesion and improved decision making.
Reducing the number of Councillors will provide an ongoing cost saving for Council.

Against

Reducing the number of Councillors may mean that electors feel they are not adequately represented.
Reducing the number of Councillors may mean there is less diversity on Council with fewer different points of view.

Constitutional Referendum

Introduction