Policies

Council Policies 

 

(Local Planning Policies can be found here)

 Policies are determined by Council and may be adopted, amended or revoked according to circumstances. This power is conveyed to Council in section 2.7(2)(b) of the Local Government Act 1995. Policies cannot be made in relation to those powers and duties given directly to the CEO by the Act. 

CGP029 - Policy Development & Review provides the principles and standards which govern the development, management, and approval of policies and ensure Council are effectively engaged in in all aspects of the policy development and review process. 

Council Policies

Council policies reflect the current strategic positions of Council and provide direction to further the Shire’s strategic goals, strengthen the governance of the Shire’s operations and/or fulfil statutory requirements. 

Documented council policies enable the effective and efficient management of Shire resources and support the community to understand the reasoning behind Council’s consistency in decision-making and its outcomes. 

A policy is not binding on Council but provides a guideline for Elected Members and employees in determining individual applications and requests. Generally, policies evolve from issues that come before Council and should continue to evolve through regular reviews. 

The Shire has policies to guide both its direction and operation, and Local Planning Policies prepared in respect of any matter related to the planning and development of the local planning scheme area. 

Council conducts a complete review of all policies at least every three years, or as per statutory requirements. 

Management Practices

Policies should not be confused with management practices which are an important component of internal governance, providing principles for the control of activity and decision making relevant to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)’s duties for managing the day-to-day operations of the Shire. The CEO and Executive Team are therefore the decision makers for the adoption, amendment, or repeal of management practices. 

Management practices are a function of management and are subject to review at any time according to circumstances, to ensure that policies are being implemented in a correct, efficient and effective manner.