The Northern Beaches is a great place to live, work and play – and our councillors play a crucial role in making this a reality. 

Councillors represent all Northern Beaches residents, advocating on the issues most important to us and making sure we have the services we need. 

As one of the largest Councils in NSW, representing the Northern Beaches is a significant responsibility and a major time commitment.

What to expect as a Northern Beaches councillor

Activities

The work of a councillor typically involves:

  • weekly briefings 6-9pm on Tuesdays at Dee Why Chambers
  • monthly Council meeting from 6pm
  • community committees – appointments are decided by Council and meet quarterly, or every second month
  • attending council events and functions 
  • meetings with constituents and community members. 

Councillors are also required to read briefing materials, Council and committee papers, and memos and correspondence regarding Council operations.

Support

The CEO, Executive Leadership Team and staff from across Northern Beaches Council assist councillors in exercising their civic duties.

Some administrative support is also provided via our Councillor Services Office.

Various expenses are allowed for and councillors have access to ongoing professional development.

Councillor induction and key dates 

Wednesday 29 December 2021 - first meeting of the new Council term, 10am at Dee Why Civic Centre. Councillors will undertake an Oath or Affirmation of Office and Council will then elect its Mayor and consider whether to elect a Deputy Mayor.

Official councillor activities will then be in recess for January.

February 2022 - all councillors will be invited to participate in official welcoming and team building activities. There will also be a comprehensive induction covering Council’s services, activities and corporate governance requirements. These will take place in the evenings over a two to three-month period.

The ordinary Council meeting schedule for 2022 will commence in late February. 

Campaign advertising and posters

Council often receives community concerns about the impact of campaign and voting materials on our environment. Councillors should be mindful of this when running their campaign. 

Please note:

  • under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, the display of electoral matter will be an ‘exempt development’ as long as you comply with the rules.
  • you will need the landowner’s consent if you are placing a poster on private property. 
  • if you don’t follow the rules, and are caught in the act of placing advertising material either in a public place or an open private place, fines for littering may be issued to you. Under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act, bill posting is considered a form of littering. 
  • the ‘regulated period’ for electoral material begins on 25 October – all electoral materials (eg posters, how to vote cards, advertisements) must comply with the Electoral Act 2017. Visit the NSW Electoral Commission website for webinars and more about this topic or sign up for alerts. 

Council staff will remove any materials that do not comply with these rules.

Candidate guides and information

Read the details under each step to see which apply to you and the relevant deadlines. View the steps

Webinars

Online webinars were held by the NSW Electoral Commission. Find out more

Key dates

Please refer to the key dates.

Enquiries

Candidate enquiries should be directed to:

Your elected Council

There are 15 Councillors – three Councillors for representing each of our five wards.

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About Northern Beaches Council

Sparkling beaches, rolling surf, natural reserves and clean waterways. Our vibrant community has an extraordinary lifestyle, with an active Council.

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Claims

Once a claim is made, Council will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to establish whether or not Council has any legal liability.

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Council meetings

You can see local government in action and participate in council meetings once a month on the Northern Beaches.

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Committees and panels

As part of Council's community engagement framework we have a range of committees, advisory groups and panels.

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Current works and projects

Find out all you need to know about our current works and projects.

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Employment

Working at the Northern Beaches Council offers you a rewarding career with lots of benefits.

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Forms

From addressing Council, to works zones and everything between. Find the form you need to help you get things done.

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Grants

Your guide to grants and funding available to organisations, community groups and heritage property owners in our community.

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Have your say

Your views mean a lot to Northern Beaches Council. Find out how to have your say on everything we’re planning.

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Information access and disclosures

Find out about all the ways you can access information from the Northern Beaches Council.

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News

Council produces regular media releases, electronic newsletters and updates in the newspaper.

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Publications

Council produces a number of important and informative publications. They include policy documents, records of Council meetings and strategic plans.

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Rates and fees

Paying your rates helps Council maintain our beautiful environment and create lifestyle and infrastructure we all want for the Northern...

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Tenders

Northern Beaches Council uses an electronic tendering system. View open, current and past tenders, frequently asked questions for more information.

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Local Government Election 2024

A general election for the Northern Beaches will be held on Saturday 14 September 2024 between 8am and 6pm.

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