Corporate governance

We provide leadership and good governance to the municipal district and the local community. Our role includes:

• considering the diverse needs of our community in decision-making
• providing leadership by establishing strategic objectives and monitoring achievements
• ensuring resources are managed in a responsible and accountable manner
• advocating the interests of our community to other communities and governments
• fostering community cohesion and encouraging active participation in civic life.

We maintain strong relationships with other tiers of government, neighbouring councils, and organisations such as electricity and water distributors.

Council meetings and delegated committees

Attendance

Council meetings are open to the public and usually scheduled on the fourth Monday of each month. In accordance with the requirements of the Governance Rules, additional, unscheduled Council meetings may be called when required.

In FY2021-22, we held 18 Council meetings. The table below reflects the number of Council meetings attended by each councillor, and the Council meetings which councillors had Council-approved leave of absence and therefore were not present at the meeting.

Conflicts of interest

We require conflicts of interest to be disclosed by councillors, members of delegated committees, Council officers and contractors. The procedures for making disclosures vary depending on the role and circumstances, but they generally involve disclosing the relevant interest in accordance with the Governance Rules and then stepping aside from the relevant decision-making process or from the exercise of the public duty.

During FY2021-22, 17 conflicts of interest were declared at Council and Delegated Committee meetings.

Councillor allowances and expenses

Allowances paid to each councillor during the year are in the table below, along with councillor expenses for FY2021-22.

Councillors are reimbursed for expenses incurred while performing their duties. Expenses can be broken down into the following categories:

• Information and communication
• Accommodation and travel
• Professional development
• Other expenses (including levies and charges, membership fees, minor equipment purchases, general administration, and childcare expenses).

A breakdown of these expenses is available in the complete Annual report.