Elector Representation Review
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of the Local Government Act 1999 (the Act), the District Council of Tumby Bay has undertaken a review of all aspects of its composition and structure so as to ensure the fair and adequate representation of the electors within the Council area. It is the intent of Council that the arrangement which it now proposes will come into effect at the next scheduled Local Government election in November 2022.
The key issues addressed during the course of the review included:
* whether the principal member of Council should be a Mayor elected by the community or a Chairperson selected by (and from amongst) the elected members;
* the division of the Council area into wards, or the retention of the existing "no ward" structure;
* the number of elected members required to provide fair and adequate representation;
* the need for area councillors in addition to ward councillors (under a ward structure);
* the level of ward representation (and elector ratio) under a ward structure; and
* the identification of any proposed future wards (under a ward structure).
This report is presented for consideration in accordance with the provisions of Section 12(12) of the Act. It provides details pertaining to the review process; the public consultation undertaken by Council (and all documents relevant thereto); the proposal which Council intends to carry into effect; and the rationale behind Council's decisions.