Golden Plains Shire Council is proposing changes to its Governance Rules, with community members welcome to make submissions on the changes until 19 October 2021.
At last night’s 28 September meeting, Council endorsed a review of 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 25 August 2020, and in line with the Local Government Act 2020, Council is proposing several changes to the document following a review. The proposed nine rule changes and six new rules are intended to provide additional clarity, definition and structure to procedural aspects of the Council Meeting process, including the calling of unscheduled council meetings and Notices of Motion.
The updated Governance Rules is on public exhibition from 29 September 2021 to 19 October 2021, and is available on Council’s website. Copies will also be available at Council’s Customer Service Centres at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn and 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
Written submissions are invited from any person, and must be received by 11.59pm, Tuesday 19 October:
- 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 26 October 2021. 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 Helena Kirby encourages interested community to review the changes and provide their feedback.
“Council’s Governance Rules cover the conduct of meetings, how they are run, the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and election period policy.
“Following a review of our existing rules, Council is proposing several changes to provide additional clarity and structure to how our meetings are conducted. These changes will help improve the procedural aspects of meetings and support public participation in our meetings.
“Our Councillor group is committed to genuine community consultation and we want to hear from our residents on these proposed changes. Anyone can make a submission before 19 October online at Council’s website, by email or by post.”
Following the public exhibition process and hearing of submissions at the October Council meeting, Council will consider any changes before adopting the new Governance Rules at its 23 November meeting.