This week our new Council held its first meeting for this term, so it’s a good time to look at what the role and responsibilities of councillors are.
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Our Council is made up of nine councillors, one who is Mayor, elected by residents of the Macleay Valley.
The role of Council is similar to that of a board of directors, meeting once a month to provide civic leadership to the community; develop and endorse the Community Strategic Plan, programs, strategies and policies of Council to ensure financial sustainability.
The Mayor‘s role is to act as the Chairperson of the Council ‘board‘ and is the overall civic leader.
Councillors provide guidance to the community; are a conduit between Council and the community; and promote the goals of Council.
It is important that once a policy is determined that councillors be able to bring others on board in sharing the desire to make it happen.
Councils operate under rules set out by the NSW Government. Councillors can’t change the rules but need to look at how they are applied to suit our community.
As a Council we are held accountable for what we do by setting out the vision and determining the direction for the future of the community – and how and when it will be delivered – in our long-term Community Strategic Plan, our four-year Delivery Plan, and our yearly Operational Plans.
While each councillor brings their own skills, experience and viewpoint to the table, it’s vital that councillors display leadership to make sure decisions they make are in the best interests of the whole community.
Once the vote is decided, it’s important that councillors speak with one voice in providing clear direction to the organisation and the community on what path it will take.
One of the great strengths of our previous Council was the ability to express an opinion and to listen to the opinions of others, and I’m confident this respect and courtesy will continue.
