The NSW Government has announced that local government elections for Shellharbour City Council and Wollongong City Council will be held on 3 September this year, restoring local representation three years after the Councils were sacked by the Labor State Government.

 

The Premier, Barry O’Farrell said the local election would meet a promise he made prior to winning government.

 

"The shameful recent history of Wollongong City Council lifted the lid on Labor Party politics in NSW, but it's no reason to deny democracy to the region and the opportunity to elect a new Council.

 

The NSW Government will introduce legislation to Parliament today, scheduling elections for Shellharbour City Council and Wollongong City Council on 3 September 2011. A one-off, a five year term will be legislated for to avoid the need for another election in 2012.

 

Local Government Minister Don Page said the legislation will introduce a number of changes regarding wards and councillor numbers for the two Councils.

 

"The geographical size and population of the Shellharbour City Council area is more suited to having no wards, therefore the Government intends to abolish the existing ward structure and reduce the number of councillors from 13 to 7," Mr Page said.

 

"This means all eligible residents and ratepayers will vote on 3 September to elect a total of seven councillors, who will then elect the Mayor.

 

"The NSW Government proposes to reduce the number of wards in Wollongong City Council from the existing six to three.

 

"Residents and ratepayers will therefore be voting to elect four councillors in each ward, as well as their Mayor.

 

"This proposed change recognises the significance of the Wollongong City local government area for the entire region.

 

"The community will be able to have their say on the new ward boundaries when they are placed on public exhibition in the near future," Mr Page said.