Decisions by council members

Determining and reviewing policy

• Council members play a role in developing policies for the local community.
• Council members are required to assess and evaluate community needs, identify priorities for the community and consider the allocation of local government resources. 
• Council members should be open to discussing policy proposals with other council members.

Planning for the future

• All local governments must plan for the future. A key part of planning is the development, implementation and review of strategies and plans that make up the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework (IPRF).
• A strategic community plan is the council’s strategic planning document which reflects the community’s needs and aspirations. It includes a clear definition of the council’s strategic priorities over a ten-year period. 
• The IPRF is currently being revised due to the local government reforms but will still serve the purpose of planning for the future of the services and facilities of the local government.

Managing assets

• Although assets are directly managed by local government employees, the council is responsible for making sure the community gets the best possible value from its assets through developing an asset management strategy.
• The council must plan to set affordable and achievable priorities and support the implementation of the asset management strategy. 

Governing finances

• The council sets rates and adopts an annual budget.
• Council members need to understand basic accounting principles and concepts, and be able to read and interpret financial reports.
• Training is available to council members to assist them with this.

Planning approvals

• In most instances, landowners are required to obtain approval before initiating land development in the local district.
• On some matters, council members are responsible for making planning decisions in accordance with their local planning scheme and relevant legislation.