Roles, functions and objectives of councils
In setting out the roles, functions and objectives of councils, the Local Government Act 1999 reflects the basic principle that Local Government councils are primarily accountable to their communities.
Frequently asked questions about councils' roles, functions and objectives:
- What are the roles of councils as set out
in the Local Government Act 1999? - What are the functions of councils as set out in the Act?
- What are councils objectives as set out in the Act?
1) What are the roles of councils as set out in the Local Government Act 1999?
Councils roles are set out in Section 6 of the Local Government Act 1999. Their principal roles are to:
- Act as representative, informed and responsible decision makers in the interests of their communities;
- Provide and co ordinate various public services and facilities and to develop their communities and resources in a socially just and ecologically sustainable manner;
- Encourage and develop initiatives within their communities for improving the quality of life within them;
- Represent the interests of their communities to the wider community; and
- Exercise, perform and discharge the powers, functions and duties of Local Government in relation to their areas, as contained in the Local Government Act 1999 and other Acts.
2) What are the functions of councils as set out in the Act?
Councils' functions under Section 7 of chapter 2 of the Act include to:
- Plan at the local and regional level for the development and future requirements of their area;
- Provide services and facilities that benefit their area, ratepayers and residents, and to visitors to that area;
- Provide for the welfare, well being and interests of individuals and groups within their communities;
- Take measures to protect their area from natural and other hazards and to mitigate the effects of such hazards;
- Manage, develop, protect, restore, enhance and conserve the environment in an ecologically sustainable manner, and to improve amenity;
- Provide infrastructure for their communities and for development within their area;
- Promote their areas and to provide an attractive climate and locations for the development of business, commerce, industry and tourism;
- Establish or support organisations or programs that benefit people in their areas or Local Government generally;
- Manage and, if appropriate, develop public areas vested in or occupied by a Council;
- Manage, improve and develop resources available to a council; and
- Undertake other functions and activities conferred by or under an Act.
3) What are councils' objectives as set out in the Act?
Councils' objectives are set out in Section 8 of chapter 2 of the Act, and include:
- To provide open, responsive and accountable government;
- To be responsive to the needs, interests and aspirations of individuals and groups within their communities;
- Participating with other councils, and with State and national governments, in setting public policy and achieving regional, State and national objectives;
- Giving due weight – in all their plans, policies and activities – to regional, State and national objectives and strategies concerning the economic, social, physical and environmental development and management of the community;
- Seeking to co-ordinate with State and national governments in the planning and delivery of services in which those governments have an interest;
- Seeking to ensure a proper balance within their communities between economic, social, environmental and cultural considerations;
- Managing their operations and affairs in a manner that emphasises the importance of service to the community;
- Seeking to ensure that council resources are used fairly, effectively and efficiently;
- Seeking to provide services, facilities and programs that are adequate and appropriate and ensuring equitable access to its services, facilities and programs wherever possible.
In summary, councils' roles, functions and objectives focus on:
- Representing everyone in the community, preparing strategic management plans and making decisions about priorities for services and facilities in their area.
- Encouraging participation with other councils, regions and State and Commonwealth Governments in setting public policy and in the planning and delivery of services.
- Providing equity in access to services for the wellbeing of people who live and work in their communities, and striking a balance between social, environmental and economic priorities.
- Representing the interests of their local communities to the wider community, including to State and Commonwealth Governments about what needs to be done locally.
- Providing open, responsive and accountable Government, and ensuring the available resources are used fairly, efficiently and effectively.