Golden Plains Shire Council is proposing changes to its Governance Rules, with community members welcome to make submissions on the changes until Wednesday 17 August, 2022.
At last night’s 26 July meeting, Council endorsed a number of proposed changes to its existing Governance Rules, and that the document with proposed changes be placed on public exhibition, with any submissions to be heard at its next scheduled meeting.
Under the Local Government Act 2020, councils must have clear, instructive and transparent Governance Rules. Council adopted its existing Governance Rules on 26 October 2021, and in line with recent amendments to the Local Government Act 2020, Council is proposing several changes to the document following a review. The proposed rule changes are intended to comply with new requirements in relation to virtual participation in Council meetings and align Council’s Governance Rules to the best practice outlined in the Local Government Act 2020.
The 25 proposed changes to the Governance Rules are on public exhibition from Wednesday 27 July to Wednesday 17 August, and are available on Council’s website. Copies will also be available at Council’s Customer Hubs at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn and 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
Written submissions are invited from any person, and must be received by 9am, Wednesday 17 August:
- online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations;
- by email to [email protected]; or
- by mail addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, VIC 3331.
Community members can request in their submission to be heard in support of their submission at the Council meeting on 23 August 2022. Submitters can also nominate a representative to present their submission and will be advised of in-person and/or virtual presentation options.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble encourages interested community members to review the proposed changes and provide their feedback.
“Following amendments to the Local Government Act 2020 and a comprehensive review of our existing rules, Council is proposing several changes to align to the best practice outlined in the Act, including the inclusion of procedures for requesting and approval of attendance at Council meetings virtually.
“The proposed changes not only amend the structure of the Governance Rules document, but also help to improve it’s readability to flow, making is easier for residents and us, your Councillors, to engage with the Rules.
“As Councillors, we’re committed to genuine community consultation and we want to hear from residents on these proposed changes. Anyone can make a submission before 17 August online at Council’s website, by email or by post.”
Following the public exhibition process and hearing of submissions, Council will consider any changes before adopting the new Governance Rules at its 23 August meeting.