Elections and Wards

Council elections are held every 4 years.

The Mayoral Election is held in September each year. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected by the members of the Council for a period of 12 months.

New Ward boundaries from September 2008

Following a referendum conducted in 2004 by the NSW Electoral Office in conjunction with the last Council election, Council as from September 2008 will have 9 Councillors with Mosman being divided into 3 Wards of 3 Councillors each. The new Wards will be:

  • Middle Harbour
  • Balmoral
  • Mosman Bay

The new Ward Boundaries as determined by Council are shown on this map:

2008 Local Government elections

  • Close of Rolls: Monday, 4 August 2008
  • Close of Nominations: Wednesday, 13 August 2008
  • Registration of How-to Vote Material closes: Monday, 25 August 2008
  • Election day: Saturday, 13 September 2008

2008 Candidates for Mosman

Voter enquiries

All voter enquiries should be directed to the NSW Electoral Commission’s enquiry line on 1300 135 736 (8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and on election day). More information is available on the NSW Electoral Commission website

Returning Officer Details

  • David Oatley. Mosman RO Office. 7-11 Spit Road Mosman NSW 2088
  • Telephone: 0458 494 622
  • Fax: 02 9969 7165
  • Postal Address: PO Box 506 Spit Junction NSW 2088
  • Office hours: Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm; Friday 12 September 8.30am to 6.00pm

Referendum Question for Mosman

At its meeting on 5 February 2008 Council resolved to hold a referendum in regards to the method of election of the Mayor in conjunction with the Local Government Elections in September 2008 and on 6 May resolved that the Question be:

“The Mayor of Mosman Council is currently elected by the Councillors. Do you favour a change to the method whereby the Mayor is directly elected by the people without an increase in the number of Councillors from 9 including the Mayor?”

A “For and Against” information sheet will be prepared and distributed to all properties closer to the election.

Election Campaigning Requirements

All candidates are required to seek consent from Council to:

a. Place tables on footpaths in association with their campaign. Consent will only be given subject to:

  • The maximum of one card table only (approximately 1m square) being placed on the footpath in the shopping centres of Mosman Junction, Spit Junction and on the eastern side of Spofforth Street, Cremorne Junction on the three Saturdays prior to any Federal, State or Local Government elections.
  • There being a maximum of one card table only (approximately 1m square) being placed at the entrance of each polling place on the day of the election.

b. To distribute pamphlets/hand bills on streets:

Approval will be given in respect of an Election on condition that candidates and their representatives use common sense, do not obstruct or hassle pedestrians and clean up any dropped or discarded material.

Please note:

Council does not permit sandwich board signs on the footpath and bill posting is not permitted. Confiscation of signs and the issue of infringement notices may result in the event of non compliance.
Various legislation regulate the placement of advertising material including election posters on public property, these are as follows:

1. The Local Government Act 1993 (PDF 10KB)
2. Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 No 156 (PDF 11KB)
3. NSW Parliamentary Electorates and Elections Act 1912 No 41 (PDF 20KB)

Electoral Expenditure and Political Donations

Prospective candidates and elected councillors are encouraged to visit the Election Funding Authority’s (EFA) website at www.efa.nsw.gov.au and ensure that they are familiar with their obligations with respect to maintaining accurate records of political donations received and electoral expenditure incurred.

The EFA does not provide advice to prospective candidates or elected councillors regarding their legal obligations to fulfill the requirements of the Election Funding Act. Any prospective candidate or councillor who is uncertain of their obligations should seek their own independent legal advice.

Becoming A Councillor

The Becoming a Councillor publication is now available from the Department of Local Government:

It contains information for people considering standing for election at the upcoming local government elections. It gives an overview of local government in NSW and outlines what a councillor’s role is, what support is available for councillors and how to nominate as a candidate for local government election.

Important documents