Democratic governance

Democratic governance is how elected governments govern for and on behalf of their constituents and the community as a whole.

Governance is the system and structures by which local councils are directed and controlled and how councils govern, make decisions, distribute and exercise authority and power, determine strategic goals, develop rules, and assign responsibility for those matters.

Good governance clarifies roles and responsibilities to support internal and external accountability and public access to decision-making and information.

Benefits of effective governance include: • improved communication • sustainability and growth • ability to attract funding • appeal to insurers • improved services • enhanced reputation.

Councils, as an elected system of government directly accountable to the local community, are independent, statutory corporations responsible for administering an LGA under its jurisdiction. Leadership of councils is

provided by ‘the council’ – the elected representatives, or councillors.

Georges River Council exists as a body under the Local Government Act 1993. The Act gives NSW councils broad powers to independently plan for and manage local community services and facilities in consultation with their local community. The Georges River elected Council consists of 15 councillors (Mayor and 14 councillors) who must act in accordance with this Act and associated State and Commonwealth legislation.

The community normally elects councillors for a fouryear term in five wards (Blakehurst, Hurstville, Kogarah Bay, Mortdale and Peakhurst) with three councillors elected to each ward.

The current Council was elected on 9 September 2017 for a term of three years. Local government ordinary elections scheduled for 12 September 2020 were postponed for 12 months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and further postponed due to additional health orders being imposed as a result of the Delta strain of the pandemic. Therefore, the next local government ordinary elections will take place on 4 December 2021.

Councillors elect the Mayor every two years and the Deputy Mayor every year.

The Dragon Room at Georges River Civic Centre