Governance Rules 2023

These Governance Rules were adopted in accordance with schedule 60 of the Local Government Act 2020 and commenced on 1 September 2020.

Council must, in the performance of its role, give effect to the overarching governance principles outlined in the Local Government Act 2020. These principles are:

(a) Council decisions are to be made and actions taken in accordance with the relevant law;
(b) Priority is to be given to achieving the best outcomes for the municipal community, including future generations;
(c) The economic, social and environmental sustainability of the municipal district, including mitigation and planning for climate change risks, is to be promoted;
(d) The municipal community is to be engaged in strategic planning and strategic decision making;
(e) Innovation and continuous improvement is to be pursued;
(f) Collaboration with other Councils and Governments and statutory bodies is to be sought;
(g) The ongoing financial viability of the Council is to be ensured;
(h) Regional, state and national plans and policies are to be taken into account in strategic planning and decision making;
(i) The transparency of Council decisions, actions and information is to be ensured.

In giving effect to the overarching governance principles, Council must take into account the following supporting principles —
(a) the community engagement principles;
(b) the public transparency principles;
(c) the strategic planning principles;
(d) the financial management principles;
(e) the service performance principles.

See also