Noosa Council could investigate what would be required to introduce divisional boundaries.
The proposal, to be put forward at its ordinary meeting today, would examine the steps needed to move from whole-of-shire representation.
Noosa has operated as an undivided council since it separated from Sunshine Coast Council in 2014, with the mayor and six councillors elected by voters across the entire shire.
Cr Karen Finzel said the current system served the shire well, but it would be “prudent” to consider alternative models, including divisional representation.
“Governance arrangements should not remain static,” she said.
“More than a decade after de-amalgamation, Noosa Shire has experienced demographic change, population growth, increasing regulatory complexity, heightened community expectations and a significantly expanded role for local government.
“Modern councillors are expected not only to undertake strategic governance functions but also to manage increasingly diverse community interests, infrastructure demands, environmental pressures and stakeholder engagement responsibilities.
“Accordingly, while the current undivided structure remains defensible and continues to provide effective representation, it would be prudent for council and the community to periodically review whether the existing electoral arrangements continue to best support equitable representation, accountability, accessibility of councillors and contemporary governance outcomes.”
Cr Finzel said the proposal focused on understanding future options, rather than immediate change.
“It is recommended that Noosa Shire Council retain its current undivided electoral structure at this time, recognising its historical success and alignment with the objectives of de-amalgamation,” she said.
“However, an independent electoral arrangements review should be considered within an appropriate future planning horizon to assess whether demographic change, population growth, community expectations and the evolving role of local government warrant consideration of alternative representational models, including divisional representation.
“Such a review should be evidence-based, community-led and focused on ensuring that Noosa’s governance framework continues to deliver effective, accountable, and representative local government for future generations.”
More than 50 councils in Queensland are undivided, with first-past-the-post voting. Meanwhile, about 22 councils within the state are divided with optional preferential voting, including the Sunshine Coast.
The Noosa Shire covers about 870sqkm home to about 60,000 people. It stretches from Coma in the north to Peregian Beach in the south and to Cooran in the west.
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