LETTER: Should Coffs Harbour have wards?

DEAR News Of The Area,

RECENTLY, I have been thinking about the way our local councillors are elected.

In New South Wales, councils can operate under two main systems: an at-large system, where councillors are elected by voters across the entire local government area, or a ward system, where the council area is divided into geographical wards and councillors are elected to represent those areas.

Neither system is perfect.

The strongest argument for wards is better local representation. In a large and diverse local government area such as Coffs Harbour, smaller towns, villages and rural communities can sometimes feel overlooked. A ward system gives those communities a better opportunity to elect someone who lives locally and understands their particular concerns.

Wards also provide clearer accountability. Residents know who their local councillors are and who to contact when an issue arises.

There are disadvantages. Councillors may focus too heavily on securing benefits and resources for their own ward rather than making decisions in the best interests of the entire local government area. There is also the possibility of competition between wards for limited council funding.

The at-large system has important advantages. Every councillor represents the entire local government area, which should encourage decisions based on the interests of the whole community. Voters also have a wider choice of candidates.

However, there are disadvantages that many people in our outlying communities may immediately recognise. Candidates living in Coffs Harbour can have a significant electoral advantage, while smaller towns and rural areas may struggle to elect a local representative. Residents may also be unsure which councillor to contact about a local issue.

Another important consideration is the cost of campaigning. Running across the entire Coffs Harbour local government area can be expensive. A ward system could make it easier and more affordable for local community members to stand for election.

A change to the electoral system would require a constitutional referendum process. Because of the cost, such a referendum would normally be held at the same time as a council election. If a referendum were held in 2028, any change would likely not take effect until the following election cycle in 2032.

Neither system is perfect, but the question is worth discussing: Would Coffs Harbour be better represented by councillors elected across the entire local government area, or by councillors directly accountable to particular communities?

For further information, I recommend the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), particularly sections 16, 17, 210 and 211.

Regards,

Rodney Fox,

Coffs Harbour.