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The Political System

 

Local Government in Australia is based on the principle of representative democracy. This means that the people elect representatives to their local Council to make decisions on their behalf. In New South Wales, local government elections are usually held every four years on the second Saturday in September. The next local government election is due Saturday 8 September 2012.

Council is one of 15 councils that have elected to conduct the 2012 election independent of the State Electoral Office who previously conducted the elections. Council decided to take this step due to the spiraling costs being charged by the State Electoral Office. Council anticipates that savings of approximatley 25% will be achieved.


Lane Cove Council is divided into three electoral districts called Wards Voters elect three Councillors from each ward (a total of nine Councillors) for a four-year term. All residents are eligible to vote. Property owners who live outside of the area may register their intention to vote on the non-residential roll.

Council encourages residents to raise issues with their elected Councillors. Councillors can pursue matters on residents' behalf ensuring that their viewpoints are considered in the development of policies.