Circulars

What’s new or changing

• Councils must review their ward boundaries and notify the NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) of any changes to ward boundaries and/or names by 5 October 2023.

What this will mean for your council

• Under section 211 of the Local Government Act 1993 councils that are divided into wards must keep ward boundaries under review to ensure the difference in elector numbers between wards does not exceed 10%. The attachment to this Circular provides further information regarding the calculation of the 10% variation to elector numbers within wards.
• Before altering ward boundaries, councils must:
  • consult the NSWEC and the Australian Statistician; and
  • prepare and publicly exhibit a plan detailing any proposed alteration (the ward boundary plan).
• Under section 277A of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 ward boundary and name changes must be made by 5 October 2023 to be in effect for the 14 September 2024 ordinary elections unless the Electoral Commissioner otherwise approves in special circumstances.

Key points

• Local government ordinary elections are to be held on 14 September 2024.
• The last date for councils to make ward boundary alterations and name changes is 5 October 2023.
• The NSWEC maintains a website to assist councils to review their ward boundaries and provide guidance on the process for consulting with it. The website is available here.
• Councils must publicly exhibit the ward boundary plan for at least 28 days and consider any submissions made during the 42 day consultation period.

Where to go for further information

• More information is available on the NSWEC’s website here.
• Contact Data Analytics and Geospatial Services Team (Manager, Omar Altaie) at the NSW Electoral Commission on 9290 5999 or via email redistribution@elections.nsw.gov.au.

Brett Whitworth
Deputy Secretary, Local Government