Local Authorities & Other Squeaky Wheels

Squeaky Wheels

“The squeaky wheel does get the oil in the

presence of positive supporting evidence

rather than a lack of contrary evidence.” (Sreenivasan &Narayana 2009)

A diverse range of Local Authorities• Roper Gulf Regional

Council has only 9 towns however is required to hold 10 Local Authority within its five Wards.

• Small Towns (Robinson River, Daly Waters and Larrimah) are not required to have a Local Authority, however we operate bi-annual community meetings

A Closer Look at Local Authorities• The Local Authority

Members have a strong understanding of their key role as the connecting link between community and Council.

• Each Local Authority meets six times a year

• Local Authority Meetings are open to the general public

The role of Local Authorities• Each Local Authority is an

advisory committee to the Council.

• To create a formal record of the meeting with community.

• The Elected Members from the ward is there to represent the Council and provide information to locals.

• Allows RGRC staff to communicate formally to residents the important issues and decisions of Council.

Creating a ‘meeting of minds’ cultureOur Pledge

“We pledge to work as one towards a better future through effective use of all resources. We have identified these key values and principles of Honesty, Equality, Accountability, Respect and Trust as being integral in the achievement of our vision, that the Roper Gulf Regional Council is Sustainable, Viable and Vibrant”

‘Meeting of minds’ formalised = Town Priority Planning Our Priority Planning Framework & Timeline

February: Community consultation to identify town priorities

April: First draft of town priorities presented to Council

May: 21 days of public comment and submissions

June: Council approves town priorities approving the direction of

resources.

What does Town Priority Planning Achieve?

• Ensures the needs of each unique community is prioritised – we can’t do it all• Includes community members in the planning process – creates ownership• Builds understanding and strong working relationships between Council and

community – creates tangible outcomes, trust and faith• Division of tasks into core services, agency services and advocacy services

assists with operational planning and delegation – tied and untied funding• Assists with developing an all-inclusive and reflective budget for each town as

well as receive feedback on the budget – what WILL be done this year all going well

Presentation of budgets as in Regional Plan

• Presented in three formats and supported graphically

Format One: By Service

Presentation of budgets as in Regional Plan…

Format Two: By Account Category

Presentation of budgets at in Regional Plan…

Format Three: Detailed

Presenting budgets at Local Authority Meetings

Discrepancies Explained

Discrepancies Explained cont…

Local Authority Project Funding (DLGCS)

• When new challenges such as the Local Authority Project Funding is presented, Roper Gulf has found success through:

• Focusing the LA’s on their Town Priorities

• Strong project management processes

• Continual discussion of the identified Town Priorities and endorsement

• Regular reporting to Council (quarterly)

Good Governance Builds Infrastructure

• Provision of training for the Local Authority Members:• Financial• Chairperson• Roles and Responsibilities• Conflict of Interest• Meeting Procedures• Community Engagement

• Further support is provided:• Dedicated Local Authority Coordination Support Officer• Meeting Templates and procedures developed and implemented

across the organisation• Website and SharePoint utilised as central information distribution• Strong support from the Council Services Managers

Further changes – Guideline 8

• Locations of Local Authorities have been formalised

• Number of meetings required each year has been reduced

• Changes to quorum requirements

Good Governance

• Is part of the decision making process• Elected members need to consider their constituents as well

as the entire community• Decision need to be made in an equitable, impartial and legal

way• We can’t do it all we need to get the balance right• Natural Justice is fundamental to Councils decision making,

they need to record that they have consulted, they have been fair and honest

• Local authorities need to feel they are part of the process.

Any Questions?