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Why Voting at Body Corporate Meetings Is Important

January 6, 2025

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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?

Financial matters

Annual budgets
Special levies
Expenditure approvals

Maintenance and improvements

Repairs
Upgrades
Maintenance plans and capital works expenditure

By-Laws

New by-laws
By-law amendments
Enforcement policies

Governance and administrative decisions

Committee elections
Appointment of the committee and service providers
Insurance policies

Significant changes to the property

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.

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