Local Government Elections 2012 - Sydney

Local government elections in NSW are normally held every four years. Local government is an elected system of government directly accountable to the local community. All of the elected representatives, known as councillors, work together to provide governance for the benefit of their local community.

The next election for the Council of the City of Sydney will be held on Saturday 8 September 2012.

The election for the City of Sydney Council will be conducted by the NSW Electoral Commission and all enquiries should be directed to them on 1300 135 736 . The commission will appoint a returning officer to oversee the election process. Once the returning officer is appointed and takes up office, we will advise where their office will be and their contact details.

Information about the City of Sydney local government area:

• The City of Sydney is the second-oldest municipality in Australia. It was established in 1842.

• The City of Sydney Council is constituted under the Local Government Act 1993 and the City of Sydney Act 1988.

• The City of Sydney covers approximately 26.15 square kilometres and is home to more than 183,000 people who live in the 10 villages across its local government area (LGA) – including the central business district.

• As a capital city council, the City of Sydney is responsible for the commercial, financial and cultural hub of Sydney, and servicing and enhancing its local villages.

• The City attracts up to one million visitors every day; to work, shop, play, learn, conduct business or see the sights.

• Almost half of city residents are aged between 18 and 34. Two-thirds of the increased population in the past five years has occurred in this age group.

• The annual gross domestic product (GDP) of the city, at more than $90 billion, represents over 8 per cent of the national GDP, more than 30 per cent of the Sydney metropolitan area and almost one-quarter of the state’s GDP.

• The City’s landmark Sustainable Sydney 2030 program is the driving force behind everything we do. It supports our provision of a range of services, programs and initiatives on behalf of residents, businesses and visitors and advances Sydney’s position as Australia’s premier city.