Andrews supports ward system

Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews has supported moves to introduce a ward system to Gosford.

"Many residents, particularly those living on the Peninsula and more remote areas, within council's boundaries are telling me that they feel unrepresented on council," Ms Andrews said.

"The heavy-handed approach adopted by Council's decision to name the Woy Woy Bridge the Spike Milligan Bridge is a prime example of the majority of councillors ignoring the silent majority.

"Had a Ward system been in place, then I'm quite sure local residents would have been properly informed by the councillors elected to represent the Woy Woy Peninsula Ward of council's intentions prior to any decision being made."

Ms Andrews said that if council was serious about increasing the number of councillors from 10 to 11, then it should also be pushing for a ward system.

"Gosford Council is one of the largest local government areas in the State and I've always held the view that a ward system would mean better representation for all residents," Ms Andrews said.

Under this system, the council area could be separated into a number areas known as wards.

Residents in those areas would then vote for at least two or three local councillors to represent them in all council decisions.

"Wyong Council has wards and this allows ratepayers to contact the councillor of their choice who directly represents their area."

Ms Andrews said that local residents had the right to feel that their interests were represented at local government level.

"Under a ward system, residents will have the right to elect councillors for their particular area and that, to my mind, could only mean a move in the right direction", Ms Andrews said.

Press release, 6 Sep 2007 Marie Andrews, Member for Gosford