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Ward and Representation Review 2022

Project Overview

online community engagement

At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 11 October 2022 Council resolved to commence a ward and representation review and to change the method of electing the President to a direct vote.

The purpose of the ward and representation review is to evaluate the current arrangements and to consider alternative options to find the system of representation that is most appropriate and best suits the characteristics of the Shire and its residents.

The Discussion Paper available under 'Document Library' details the current situation, the review process and examples of possible options for change.

Feedback has been sought from residents via an online or hard copy survey. Submissions closed at 4.30pm Monday 19 December 2022.

A report was presented to Council at the January 2023 Ordinary Council meeting and it was resolved that a report be submitted to the Local Government Advisory Board (LGAB), recommending that:
• the current ward system of four wards be maintained; and
• the Shire reduce to nine council members (i.e. eight council members plus directly elected Shire President) at the October 2023 ordinary local government election with two council members per ward.

Further information is available in the minutes available on the Shire’s website, along with a news item on the review.

The LGAB has considered the Shire's ward and representation review with advice recieved in May 2023 that the Minister for Local Government approved the LGABsrecommendation to support the Shire's proposal. The Governor is yet to formally approve any recommendation. It is anticipated that these changes will be implemented at the 2023 local government ordinary elections.

  • Local Government Reform - Department of Local Government

    July 2022

    Further information available under 'Background'.
  • Election Transition Arrangements - Minister for Local Government

    September 2022

    Further information available under 'Background'.
  • Ward and Representation Review

    At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 11 October 2022 it was resolved to proceed with the voluntary pathway with a ward and representation review to commence.
  • Public submission period

    Residents are invited to consider the appropriateness and effectiveness of the Shire's current representation and ward system, and to suggest options for change.

    Details of the current situation, the review process and examples of possible options for change are set out in the Ward and Representation Review 2022 Discussion Paper available under the document library.
  • Consideration of public submissions by Council

    Following the closing date of the community consultation period, a report will be presented to Council in January 2023 to enable consideration of all submissions received and to make a determination on wards and council member representation levels.

    Any changes to the current structure supported by Council will then be submitted to the Local Government Advisory Board and Minister for approval. 
  • Formal submission - Local Government Advisory Board

    A formal submission will be made to the Local Government Advisory Board in advance of the specified due date of 14 February 2023.
  • Recommendation from Local Government Advisory Board, Ministerial support and Governor approval

    The Local Government Advisory Board is to make a recommendation to the Minister for Local Government. If accepted, the Minister for Local Government may approve the recommendation. There are a series of administrative and statutory processes to obtain the Governor's approval. If approved, the changes will be published in the Government Gazette.

In July 2022, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) released the Local Government Reform – Full Reform Proposals. According to this document, it is proposed that local governments that have a population of between 5000 and 75,000 (including Shire of Mundaring) would have five to nine council members, including the President. 

In September 2022, the Minister for Local Government advised that an Amendment Act (expected to be introduced in early 2023) would determine that all offices be declared vacant, all wards (if applicable) be abolished and that the number of Council offices be set based on the reform proposals. Additionally, the Minister advised that all local governments will be required to have a directly elected President. An alternative option was provided to enable Councils to voluntarily implement the required changes to reduce the number of offices and to change the method of electing the President to a direct vote.

Document Library

Who's Listening

  • Liz Nicholls
    Governance Coordinator
    Shire of Mundaring
    Email: shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au