Date: 1 July 2026
Kiama Municipal Council has unanimously resolved to ask the NSW Minister for Local Government to allow it to operate temporarily with eight councillors, rather than proceed with a by-election scheduled for 22 August.
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Cr Mike Cains and announced by the NSW Electoral Commission on 29 June. Nominations are set to close on 22 July, with pre-polling opening 15 August.
However, at its meeting on 30 June, council voted to seek a ministerial exemption from holding the election. The council estimates the by-election would cost around $200,000 — an expense it says was not anticipated in this year’s budget and would add financial pressure while the council continues to operate under a NSW Government Performance Improvement Order.
Mayor Cameron McDonald said the decision was about acting responsibly with limited resources during the council’s financial recovery. He said a by-election would place additional pressure on council’s finances at a time when it is focused on meeting the requirements of the Performance Improvement Order. He described the request as a practical and responsible approach to public money.
The proposal, if approved, would reduce the council’s composition from nine to eight councillors until the next scheduled local government elections in 2028. According to the council, quorum and governance arrangements would be maintained under the reduced membership.
Council will write to the Minister for Local Government seeking urgent consideration of the request. The Minister has not publicly indicated a position.
If the by-election proceeds, voting is scheduled for Saturday, 22 August 2026. Further details are available on the NSW Electoral Commission website.