How to put forward a motion

Summary:

A motion is a formal proposal put forward at a meeting, which owners are then invited to vote on. 


The Process:

  1. Draft the motion - (eg: raise $20,000 for a security system)
  2. Submit the motion in ample time so that it can be included on the notice and agenda for the meeting.  The Act states 14 clear days it is ESM procedure to have notices of meeting sent out 21 days prior to the AGM date
  3. Present the case for voting for the motion to the other owners at the AGM / EGM (present several quotes on price, explain the benefit to the community
  4. Owners vote on the motion  

More Information

A motion can be put forward by any owner. It will need to be submitted to the secretary of the strata company prior to the distribution of the meeting notice and agenda, so it is shown on the meeting agenda.

The motion needs to be worded so that people can vote for or against the motion.

Voting on the motion needs to occur in accordance with the STA 1985. E.g. if the motion is to add, amend or repeal a schedule 2 by-law, a Special Resolution vote will need to take place. Your Strata Manager will be able to advise you which motion is appropriate.


Example Case:

Owners in a complex of 8 units wanted all water consumption to be included with their levy payments.  The owners were paying for an external company to read the water meters and an additional sum for the Strata Management Company to send out individual invoices, based on their actual consumption. 

The amount each unit was spending on water was similar, so one owner suggested that water consumption be apportioned as per the unit entitlement. Thereby, negating the requirement to have the meters read, and individual invoices raised.

A motion was put forward at the AGM: "Water consumption from 01/03/2019 onwards will be paid by the Strata Company with each lot owner paying for their share in accordance with their unit entitlement". A vote took place and the motion was passed. Once 28 days had elapsed and the by-law became unconditional, the budget was amended to include water as a line item. The Strata Company saved money on the meter reading and administration fees.