2016 Council ElectionsRole of a CouncillorAbout Greater SheppartonGreater Shepparton is an un-subdivided municipality with seven Councillors currently representing 65,000 residents in urban and rural areas. Following a review conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission, Greater Shepparton will be represented by nine Councillors at the 2016 local government elections.

What is the role of a Councillor?Councillors are required to attend ordinary meetings of Council and to vote on matters requiring a decision of the Council, unless a conflict of interest is declared. If a councillor cannot attend a Council meeting, the remaining Councillors vote on a motion to grant leave.

Councillors are responsible for;

• Strategic planning for the whole municipality and for a sustainable future

• Determining the financial strategy and allocating resources via the Council Budget

• Representing ratepayers and residents• Advocating on a broad range of issues• Liaising and coordinating with other levels

of government, non-government, community groups and the private sector

• Facilitating community participation

Councillors may be contacted by residents regarding issues such as roads needing repair, overhanging trees or rubbish not being collected. These are operational matters and should be referred to the Council’s Customer Service Team or the appropriate Director, through the CEO. Councillors are not able to contact staff directly except in approved circumstances.

What is the role of the Mayor?The Mayor is the Chairperson of the Council and has overall responsibility for the leadership of the elected Council. The Mayor shall foster a team culture of co-operation and cohesiveness within the Council. The Mayor is the principal Council spokesperson and is responsible for effectively communicating the decisions and policies of Council, speaking on behalf of the Council and presenting and maintaining, at all times, a positive, professional public image of the Council.

What is the time commitment?The amount of time Councillors devote to the role varies depending on their employment status and other commitments and the extent to which they want to be involved in civic activities.

The minimum requirement each week would be to read material for meetings where the subject matter will result in a decision of the Council. Some of the papers rely on councillors undertaking site inspections to fully understand the detail. Councillors are also appointed to internal and external committees, and are also required to attend weekly briefings and a monthly Council meeting.

Many councillors still work full-time while fulfilling their councillor duties. It is estimated Councillors should dedicated between 15 and 30 hours per week, (during and outside of business hours) to fulfilling their Councillor duties.

Councillor allowancesCouncillors receive an allowance which is not tied to hours or duties or expenses. It is currently $24,127.00 for Councillors and $74,655.00 for the Mayor. In addition there are allowances for travel. Allowances are reviewed annually by the Victorian Government. The Mayor also has an official Council vehicle and all Councillors have appropriate technology (mobile phones, iPads, computers) to assist them in fulfilling their role.

How do I get Council to take action on things that are important to me and my community?

Greater Shepparton is currently represented by seven Councillors and for the first time at the 2016 election, nine Councillors will be elected.

As Councillors have no authority to act individually and can only exercise their powers through a majority vote at Council Meetings, it is important that they are able to present a case based on facts to gain the necessary support from a majority of Councillors.

Councillor Code of ConductCouncillors are bound by The Local Government Act 1989 and a code of conduct which is reviewed and adopted by Council within six months following a Council election. The code of conduct covers Councillor values, decision making, managing confidential information, accessing Council information, use of Council resources, relationships with staff, gifts, communication, conflict of interest and dispute resolution.

Want to find out more?www.greatershepparton.com.au

www.standforcouncil.com.au

www.mav.asn.au

www.vlga.org.au

www.delwp.vic.gov.au/local-government

www.vec.vic.gov.au