[Greens-Media] Shellharbour residents deserve real representation

[David Shoebridge]

Shellharbour residents deserve real representation
MEDIA RELEASE - 5 May 2011
 
The Greens NSW have welcomed the announcement of imminent local government elections in Shellharbour and Wollongong City Councils, including the abolition of the undemocratic 2-ward system. NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge said the Greens are calling for Shellharbour to have at least 9 Councillors, to ensure that residents have effective representation. 
 
"The announcement of local government elections in Shellharbour and Wollongong are a victory for local campaigners who have led a long campaign for real representation, however the government has a responsibility to get it right," Mr Shoebridge said.
 
"Under the proposed legislation, Shellharbour residents will go from having 13 elected representatives to just seven. This is a blow to democracy for residents in Shellharbour.
 
"The 2008 Colley Inquiry into Shellharbour Council recommended replacing the undemocratic 13 Councillor 2-ward system with a nine councillor three ward one. 
 
"The Greens support a minimum of nine Councillors for the residents of Shellharbour, so that residents have both adequate and proportional representation.
 
"Under the government's proposal the seven proposed councillors will on average be responsible for 10,000 constituents. The neighbouring LGA of Kiama has one councillor to every 2,200 residents. 
 
"It is a huge ask for part-time local councillors to take on so much responsibility in a growing area of the Illawarra. The residents of Shellharbour deserve better. 
 
"The Greens welcome the abolition of the 2-member ward system as a significant step forward in the Illawarra. This system gave one party exclusive control and arguably gave rise to the corruption on both these Councils which led to their dismissal.
 
"The Greens will be moving amendments in NSW Parliament to abolish 2-person wards in all other NSW councils," Mr Shoebridge said.
 
David Shoebridge is The Greens NSW spokesperson for Local Government and the Illawarra
 
More information 9230 3030 | 0433 753 376

 
 

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David Shoebridge
Greens MLC
NSW Parliament
PH: (02) 9230 3030
FX: (02) 9230 2159
www.davidshoebridge.org.au