Armidale council referendum to cut councillor numbers from eleven to nine by 2024

A unanimous vote to notify the NSW Electoral Commission of plans to undertake a Constitutional Referendum at the 2021 elections means the number of councillors could be slashed from eleven to nine.

It follows in the footsteps of Tamworth and Clarence Valley councils and will give the public the opportunity to take democracy into their own hands, ARC mayor Ian Tiley said.

"This minute is simply about giving our constituents a say on the future size of ARC," he said.

"As the report says, there would be some cost-savings, it wouldn't take effect if it was to occur until the elections in 2024."

The mayoral minute argues reducing the number of councillors wouldn't adversely impact local democracy and would save costs.

It argues that before the Constitutional Referendum, the council should canvass the community for arguments for and against the proposal and independent research could be conducted to prepare the views.

Representation on the council from the former Guyra Shire would be important, Cr Tiley said.

"My view and experience is that with eleven councillors, it could be argued that our constituents are unnecessarily over-governed and that a reduction in councillor numbers would enhance good governance."

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The idea sat well with Cr Peter Bailey who said it was a great move.

"It's up to people to decide, I think nine is a good number," he said.

"As you suggested, Tamworth has nine and Clarence Valley has nine and I think that's worthwhile thing."

The council will notify the NSW Electoral Commission that it wants to undertake a referendum alongside the September 4, 2021 elections.

Local community group New England Visions 2030 has also launched a survey to see if the community would be interested in a referendum to elect the next mayor by popular vote.

The elections were postponed until 2021 due to the outbreak of COVID-19.