The Illawarra Greens believe that democracy has suffered in both Wollongong and Shellharbour City councils because of their ward structures and election systems.
Both councils have this year been sacked by the NSW Government. Both councils have been dominated by the ALP for many years, entrenching relationships which, in the case of Wollongong (and probably Shellharbour) have led to systemic corruption.
With both Illawarra councils under administration, we have a unique opportunity for reforms to be carried out with the least disruption.
As just one example of how unfair the preferential system of voting used in our council elections can be, in 2004, in ward B in Shellharbour one group won both of the positions despite gaining only 29% of the primary vote. However, another group, which gained 34.5% of the primary vote, won no positions. In other words, 70% of people voted for someone other than the successful candidates.
The introduction of three or more councillors for each ward would require a proportional representation voting system to be used at council elections under present legislation, with far more democratic results.
In Shellharbour, we support the recommendation of Commissioner Richard Colley in his report of 9th July 2008 (Report into Shellharbour) that the Council should be restructured to three wards of three councillors, plus a mayor.
Wollongong City Council
We propose that Wollongong’s local government area be restructured into four wards also with three councillors for each ward, plus a lord mayor (see map for new ward outlines).
To read our proposal in detail click on the menu item above called ‘Council Restructure Proposal’
We invite scrutiny of the proposal and welcome your comments. Please email your thoughts and comments to us at convenor@illawarra.greens.org.au or secretary@illawarra.greens.org.au