How Council Works

The organisational chart which follows demonstrates in a simplistic way how the Council functions. At the top is the "Community" who elect the "Council". The Council of the City of Botany Bay comprises of six Councillors, plus the Mayor. The Mayor is the leader of the Council and responsible for its actions.

To assist the Council with the decision making process it is supported by eight Standing Committees which basically deal with the business of each of the Council departments. For example the Development Committee deals with Development and Building application matters. The recommendations of each of the eight committees are referred to the full Council for endorsement before being enforced.

The decisions made by Council are then implemented by the Council staff. The General Manager is the leader of Council staff and responsible for their actions.
 

How you can participate

The local community can be involved, and keep up to date with what is happening, in their local council if they choose. This can be done by attending the Council and Committee meetings which are open to the public.

If an issue concerns you, or you would like Council to consider a matter or fix something then you can simply contact the Mayor or one of the six elected councillors pictured below.

Standing Committees

Council is supported by eight Standing Committees of which the Mayor, Councillor Ben Keneally is Chairperson. In his absence the Vice Chairperson takes the chair. There are also 13 sub-committees and liaison positions.

Who elects the local council?

Local councillors are elected just like State and Federal Members of Parliament. Voting at Local Government Elections is compulsory just like it is at State and Federal Elections. Elections are held every four years. At the last election which was held on the 8 September 2012, one councillor was elected in each of the six wards, Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 3, Ward 4, Ward 5 and Ward 6.

In the City of Botany Bay, the Mayor is also elected by the people and holds office for four years – unlike many other councils, where the councillors elect the Mayor from amongst themselves every 12 months.

The next Local Government Election will be held on 8 September 2012 where the people will be again electing six councillors, in six wards and the Mayor of the City of Botany Bay, for the following four years. Voting is compulsory by anyone over the age of 18 years and who is an Australian Citizen.  All residents who qualify should register with the State Electoral Office.