Kiama residents will decide whether they want to directly elect their mayor in a referendum at the next government election in 2024.

Councillor Stuart Larkins moved a successful motion that could change how Kiama’s elections are conducted. At the moment, councillors select a mayor among themselves every two years. If the referendum passes, Kiama residents and ratepayers will directly elect a mayor themselves at every local election.

The referendum question will be put to voters at the next local government election scheduled for 14 September 2024, but won’t come into effect until the 2028 election if it passes.

"In the Illawarra and the South Coast, Kiama Council residents will be the only Local Government Area not able to directly elect their mayor in 2024,” said Councillor Larkins at the council meeting on 18 July when the motion passed.

“Wollongong, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and now Bega will be able to directly elect the mayor.”

"Our council has been undertaking a number of important reforms, particularly at an organisational level. I believe it's important that we have transparent and accountable political leadership from the mayor and councillors at election time and beyond."

All KMC councillors voted in favour of the motion with the exception of Councillor Mark Croxford and Councillor Matt Brown.

Speaking against the motion, Councilor Croxford said that direct elections could lead to more bipartisan politics in local government, leading to a polarised political landscape.

“Candidates for directly elected mayor may align themselves with political parties, specific interest groups which can introduce party politics and divisive agendas into local government. Polarisation may hinder effective decision making and compromise the council,” Councillor Croxford said.

Speaking to The Bugle, Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly said he hadn’t made up his mind on whether he supported direct mayoral elections, but did support putting the decision in the hands of voters.

“I think the best thing we can do is allow democracy to take its task and why not? I’m not worried or intimidated by it, I think it’s a good thing,” said Mayor Reilly.