Role of the Mayor, Councillors and General Manager

It is important for the community to be aware of the various roles of the Mayor, Councillors and General Manager. Chapters 9 and 11 of the Local Government Act set out the statutory roles and duties and a brief overview of these provisions is as follows:

Role of the Mayor

  • To preside at meetings of the council;
  • To carry out the civic and ceremonial functions of the mayoral office;
  • To exercise such functions of the council as the council determines (for example council can delegate specific functions to the mayor); and
  • To exercise, in cases of necessity, the policy making functions of the council between meetings of council.

Role of a Councillor

As a member of the governing body of the council:

  • To direct and control the affairs of the council in accordance with the Local Government Act;
  • To participate in the optimum allocation of the council's resources for the benefit of the area;
  • To play a key role in the creation and review of the council's policies and objectives and criteria relating to the exercise of the council's regulatory functions;
  • To review the performance of the council and its delivery of services, and the management plans and revenue policies of the council;

As an elected person:

  • To represent the interests of the residents and ratepayers;
  • To provide leadership and guidance to the community; and
  • To facilitate communication between the community and the council.

Role of the General Manager

The general manager is generally responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the council's organisation and for ensuring the implementation, without undue delay, of decisions of the council.

  • To manage the council on a day-to-day basis and to direct staff;
  • To exercise such of the functions of the council as are delegated by the council to the general manager;
  • To appoint staff in accordance with an organisational structure and resources approved by the council; and
  • To implement the council's equal employment opportunity management plan.