The Role of Councillors

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Elected councillors are responsible for setting policy and providing vision and strategic direction to the organisation. Councillors meet weekly at briefings and officially as the 'council' once a month at a council meeting. Find out.

Some of their responsibilities include:

  • Developing vision and strategies
  • Creating plans and policies, and setting priorities
  • Setting standards of service and quality
  • Focusing on outcomes
  • Consulting the community
  • Acting as an advocate for the whole community
  • Promoting economic and social development and
  • Working with all levels of government to maximise local and regional benefits. 

How decisions are made

Many of their decisions are based on how to best use funds that are available to improve the municipality and its services. Decisions are made on a majority vote of the councillors present at the meeting. Councillors also ensure alignment with the Local Government Act 2020 and other relevant legislation such as the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 and the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

Leadership is provided through the Mayor, while operational oversight is delivered by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who is responsible for implementing Council decisions and managing day-to-day operations. Councillors are expected to uphold Council’s values of trust, respect, excellence, fairness, and openness, and to model safe and inclusive behaviours in all interactions.

 

Councillor Code of Conduct

From 26 October 2024, all Councillors are required to observe the Model Code of Conduct which is prescribed in Schedule 1 of the Local Government (Governance and Integrity) Amendment Regulations 2024.

The Model Code of Conduct replaces the previous statutory requirement for each Council to develop its own Councillor Code of Conduct.

The Model Code of Conduct establishes clear standards for the behaviour and responsibilities of Councillors. Its purpose is to ensure that Councillors can effectively perform their duties and functions, supporting the Council in its overriding role to provide good governance for the benefit and wellbeing of the municipal community.

By setting these expectations, Councillors are better equipped to perform their duties in a manner that reflects the values of integrity, transparency, respect and accountability.

 

Code of Conduct(PDF, 87KB)

Council Meetings

Council Meetings are where seven elected Councillors make decisions on behalf of the Rural City of Wangaratta community.

Meetings are held monthly, with the location rotating between the Wangaratta Government Centre and rural townships. Decision making is guided by Governance Rules. Members of the community are invited to attend Council Meetings or watch online

Upcoming Council Meetings   Past Council Meetings   Meeting Papers

 

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