Wyndham mayors could soon be elected directly by residents under sweeping changes being considered by the state government.
Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins last week released a directions paper that outlines proposals to change the Local Government Act, including allowing mayors to be directly elected by residents and elected for two-year terms.
Melbourne and Geelong are the only councils in the state where the mayor is elected by the general public.
In Wyndham, as in other municipalities, a new mayor is chosen from among the councillors by vote each year at a special council meeting.
Other proposed measures to the Local Government Act include:
- Beefing up the powers of the local government minister to deal with misbehaving councillors;
- Introducing electronic voting for the 2020 council elections;
- Improving the transparency of the pay, recruitment, conditions and performance of council chief executives;
- Enacting ‘citizens’ juries’ and other forms of public engagement to give residents a say in shaping council plans;
- Phasing out the right of non-resident property owners to vote in council elections; and
- Creating a single consistent land valuation system for levying rates.
Ms Hutchins said the review would consider the objectives, roles and functions of councils, and how council operations could be streamlined and brought into the 21st century.
“This is about reforming local government so councils can serve their communities more effectively and efficiently,” she said.
Wyndham council chief executive Kelly Grigsby welcomed the proposed changes.
“It is vital that this important legislation is updated to ensure [local government] is representative of community expectations,” Ms Grigsby said.
“There are aspects to the proposed reforms that we believe will really add value and are in line with Wyndham’s own priorities, such as emphasising the importance of community consultation.
“A community-first approach to decision-making is at the core of what we do, and our award-winning community engagement framework and Wyndham 2040 community plan are examples of a best-practice approach.
“We are pleased that this will now be encouraged across the sector.”
Ms Grigsby, who was appointed chief executive last September, told
Star Weekly that she was on a four-year contract with an annual $370,000 “package” that includes superannuation and a work vehicle.
The state government is calling on all Victorians to have their say on the proposed changes to their grassroots tier of government.
To find out more, go online at www.yourcouncilyourcommunity.vic.gov.au
