A personal approach
to body corporate management
That’s why we take the time to listen, tailoring our management approach to suit every person, their communication style and business preferences.
Receive an obligation
free proposal
Please contact us here if you are seeking a proposal for a building we don’t currently manage. If you are an existing BCsystems customer please email us at info@bcsystems.com.au
Voting at body corporate meetings is an important opportunity to shape the community you live in. Participation ensures that decisions are fair, balanced, and aligned with the collective interests of the community.
Voting is one of the most impactful ways you can contribute to the community you live in. Here’s why your vote matters and how it shapes the future.
Your right to vote
As a member of a body corporate, you have a fundamental right to participate in the decision-making process through voting. This right is protected and governed by body corporate legislation, designed to ensure all property owners have an equal opportunity to influence how their community is managed and maintained. Understanding your voting rights empowers you to take an active role in shaping the present and future of your body corporate.
What do you vote on as a lot owner?
- Annual budgets
- Special levies
- Expenditure approvals
- Repairs
- Upgrades
- Maintenance plans and capital works expenditure
- New by-laws
- By-law amendments
- Enforcement policies
- Committee elections
- Appointment of the committee and service providers
- Insurance policies
- Alterations
- Lot modifications
- Exclusive use areas
Why voting is important
1. Your Voice. Your Interests
Voting ensures that your preferences and concerns are considered in key decisions. Body corporate meetings often address important topics such as budgets, by-laws, maintenance, and upgrades to common areas. By casting your vote, you advocate for outcomes that align with your needs and values, ensuring that decisions benefit everyone, including you.
2. Deciding on budgets and levy contributions
Body corporate budgets directly affect your contributions through levies. Voting on financial matters, such as expenditure on repairs or improvements, lets you to have a say in how your money is spent. Whether it’s approving a budget or deciding on a special levy to upgrade the equipment in the gym, your vote can influence how resources are allocated and managed.
3. Shaping community policies
By-laws govern behaviour and operations within the community, and proposals to introduce, remove or amend them are always put to a vote. Participating in these decisions ensures that policies reflect the community’s collective values and priorities.
4. Protecting property value
Decisions made at body corporate meetings can directly impact property values. For instance, neglecting maintenance or delaying improvements may diminish the appeal of the community to potential buyers or tenants. Active participation in voting helps maintain the quality and reputation of the property, safeguarding your investment.
5. Prevent decisions by default
Apathy in voting can lead to decisions being made by a small, unrepresentative group of owners. Low voter turnout may result in outcomes that don’t reflect the broader community’s wishes. By voting, you contribute to a more balanced and democratic process.
6. Community cohesion
Active participation in meetings fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration. When owners engage in decision-making, it builds trust and transparency, making the community stronger and more united.
Tips for maximising your impact
- Stay informed: Read meeting notices, agendas, and supporting documents to understand the issues at hand.
- Vote in advance or by proxy if needed: If you can’t attend the meeting in person, consider submitting a proxy or voting paper.
- Engage with neighbours: Discuss upcoming votes with other owners to understand different perspectives and build consensus.
Related content
Share This Post
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
More To Explore
Balconies in a Body Corporate: Who is Responsible for Repairs and Maintenance
In this article, we explore the common issues that affect balconies and decks and explain who is generally responsible for repairs and maintenance, depending on whether your property is registered under a Building Format Plan (BFP) or a Standard Format Plan (SFP).
7 Reasons to Live in a Body Corporate Community
Whether in a townhouse complex, apartment building, or mixed-use development, body corporate living combines convenience, shared management, and a sense of community that traditional home ownership doesn’t always provide.