The NSW Local Government Elections will take place on Saturday 4 September 2021 and passionate locals can now register as a candidate.
Becoming a Councillor is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference and represent the interests of Lake Macquarie residents. There are a few steps involved in nominating for Council, so if you are considering becoming a candidate, it's best to start the process early before the deadline of Wednesday 4 August.
Council's CEO Morven Cameron works very closely with Lake Macquarie Councillors and sees first-hand the value and far-reaching impact local people can have by representing their community.
"Representing your community as a councillor can provide real, short and long-term benefits for the City and it's an opportunity to be in a position to make significant decisions that will make a difference to residents," Ms Cameron said.
"The future of Lake Macquarie City is very bright with a range of exciting opportunities on the horizon. Councillors will play a key role in helping the City achieve this incredible potential. If you are passionate about what happens in your local community, then I encourage you to find out more about the election process and register before the deadline."
With a diverse population of more than 205,000 residents, Lake Macquarie City is the largest Local Government Area by population in the Hunter. The City is divided into three wards: North, East and West and is represented by 13 councillors including the Mayor who is popularly elected.
"It is important to reflect the diversity of the City through the variety of experience and perspectives of councillors to truly represent the community. Becoming a councillor is a great opportunity to use your experience to ensure residents are represented in decision making for the future of the City," added Ms Cameron.
Traditionally elected councillors serve a four-year term, however due to the COVID-19 pandemic the NSW Local Government Elections were postponed in 2020, meaning that councillors elected in this year's election will serve a three-year term.
Lake Macquarie City Council's election will be administered by the NSW Electoral Commission. A range of information and resources is available on their website, including several steps to being a candidate:
- Familiarise yourself with the election process and legal obligations
- Register as a candidate or group to start campaigning
- Manage and record your campaign finances
- Registration of electoral material to distribute on election day
- Disclose political donations and electoral expenditure.
New candidates and residents that are new to the Local Government Election process are encouraged to attend one of the introductory information seminars in July.
Important dates for the Lake Macquarie City Council elections
Becoming a Councillor seminars
Friday 16 July 2021 – 5 to 8pm at Swansea Centre
Saturday 17 July 2021 – 9am to noon at Toronto Library
Saturday 17 July – 2 to 5pm at Council Administration Building, Speers Point
