GETTING INVOLVED

The elected Council is responsible for the direction and control of Council’s affairs in accordance with the NSW Local Government Act and associated legislation.

Councillors represent the interests of our residents and ratepayers. They serve the community by listening to people and then representing those views on Council. They work together to make decisions about what the Council will do to meet community needs and how money should be spent in the best interests of the community.

They provide leadership and guidance to the community, and facilitate communication between the community while maintaining the broader vision, needs and aspirations of the whole Ballina Shire community. Councillors do not get involved in the day-today running of the Council. This is the role of the General Manager.

Some of the many things a Councillor does include:

• Taking part in Council and committee meetings • Reading Council business papers and preparing for meetings • Reviewing Council’s progress on the Delivery Program and Operational Plan and budget on a regular basis to check if progress is on track • Speaking to members of the community about their needs and concerns • Taking part in civic events • Keeping an eye out for problems with Council assets that may need to be reported or inspected.

There are a number of ways you can get involved and help shape decisions for our community by:

• Attending Council meetings • Making an appointment to speak with the Mayor or Councillors • Making an appointment to speak with the General Manager or relevant Director • Writing or telephoning Council about the issues important to you • Attending a public meeting or forum to discuss specific issues • Joining a Council Ward Committee as a representative of a community group

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