Do Local Council Elections Even Matter?

Turns out: Yes!

Federal and state-level governments have control over education standards, immigration practices, healthcare and welfare payments, to name only a few responsibilities; all the things that are obviously important to us as individuals and as citizens of Australia.

However, it’s important to remember that local council affects us much more than we often appreciate.

Local councils look after the day-to-day activities that go on in our own backyard. They look after garbage collection, road maintenance and the cost of rates. But, they do raise one question: does it really matter who we vote for in council elections if a council is only responsible for tasks which technically don’t need to be improved?

Council members are taking care of projects that need to be taken care of, and it would be easy to draw the conclusion that ‘someone’s going to do it either way,’ rather than thinking it deserves a drawn-out campaign (unlike the media coverage state and federal elections receive).

With a recent election in Western Australia only earning 27 per cent participation, you can assume most people share the above thinking. According to Richard Carroll at the Electoral Commission of NSW, there has been a downward trend in voter turnout; not only for local elections, but also at the state and federal level.

Admittedly, it’s easy to say federal and state responsibilities are much greater, but diminishing local responsibilities still isn’t fair. The reality is, maintaining the integrity of a local community (and controlling its money) is a significant job, even in the grand scheme of things.

Here’s a short list of the things your council oversees:

• The cost of rates.
• Maintenance of parks, beaches, libraries, etc.
• Maintenance of local roads, footpaths and street lights.
• Community programs and centres.
• Working with other governments to offset future issues with water, energy and environment management.

Essentially, local councils are crucial.

They not only maintain the cleanliness and safety of our homes; they are the very reason a community is not simply made up of residences and instead includes recreational places for public use and communal events.

On top of that, local councils often work with other governments to do their part in environmental issues.

Though it may seem unlikely, your vote is important because who you elect could change all that. It’s easy to see the less creative responsibilities of a local council, but they are also the main reason some communities offer support systems for its residents, not to mention the places to distract yourself.

Whilst local councils only run on a small-scale, they are united to solve issues. It’s important to let your voice be heard when you have the chance – and that’s precisely what your vote is for.

Emily Lam is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about the contributors program.