Under the Local Government Act, ward boundaries need to be altered if “the council becomes aware that the number of electors in one ward in its area differs by more than 10 per cent from the number of electors in any other ward in its area”.

NSW Electoral Commission records indicate that there were 11 per cent more voters in ward three (23,226 enrolled) compared to ward one (20,929 enrolled) in this month’s council election.

With 22,143 enrolled, ward two has 6 per cent more voters than ward one. Ward one councillors represent fewer electors than their southern colleagues.

Council decided not to review boundaries in 2007, since the imbalance between wards was thought to be slightly less than 10 per cent.

Ward boundaries were last changed by resolution of council in 2002 after higher growth in ward three resulted in a difference of almost 12 per cent.

Any changes to ward boundaries will require council to consult the community following changes to legislation since the last review.

The most contentious area likely to attract attention is the split through the middle of Sanctuary Point between wards two and three. Tomerong is currently split across all three wards.

Spokesperson for the Basin Villages Forum, Maureen Webb, is looking forward to a review in the Basin area.

“The divisions around Sanctuary Point are especially strange,” she said.

“Many residents of St Georges Basin and Sanctuary Point were confused on election day.”

Cr Gareth Ward has previously been outspoken in council about Shoalhaven’s ward structure and has called for a broad review.

“I would like to see some informed discussion on this matter,” he said.

“There has been a call from the Bay and Basin for improved representation.”

Shoalhaven City Council’s executive support manager, Greg Roberts, said council would need to review the growing imbalance over the coming 12 months.