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Becoming a councillor

Becoming a councillor. Local Government Association of Tasmania. Being A Councillor. Exciting and challenging role Can be daunting, time consuming & rewarding Balancing needs of community within framework of financial accountability

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Becoming a councillor

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  1. Becoming a councillor Local Government Association of Tasmania

  2. Being A Councillor Exciting and challenging role Can be daunting, time consuming & rewarding Balancing needs of community within framework of financial accountability Opportunity to influence future direction of local community and help those needing support Councils are complex and vibrant and need talented and dedicated individuals

  3. Overview of Local Government 29 councils Vary in population, area, rate base and resources Required to implement legislation and undertake statutory responsibilities Different priorities in different areas Nearly 4000 staff across the sector

  4. Services Provided by Councils • Road construction and maintenance • Street lighting • Rubbish collection • Stormwater drainage • Traffic and parking regulation • Planning and building services • Public health inspections • Recreation facilities, parks and reserves • Public swimming pools • Community halls • Community arts facilities and programs • Community services – childcare, immunisation, youth services • Community festivals and events • Economic development and tourism

  5. Council Functions & Powers • Section 20 of the Local Government Act requires councils to • Provide for the health, safety and welfare of the community • Represent and promote the interests of the community • Provide for the peace, order and good government of the municipal area • Competency power to do anything necessary or convenient to perform functions • Must consult, involve and be accountable to community

  6. Responsibilities Planning and providing services, facilities and infrastructure Strategic land use planning Making and enforcing by-laws Raising revenues to perform functions Advocate proposals in best interests of community now and later

  7. Funding Sources Rates Fees, fines and charges Borrowings, asset sales, interest earned Commonwealth grants – FAGS and specific State Government grants

  8. Rewards and Benefits • Entitled to elected member allowance • Councils have policies dealing with payment of expenses • Entitled to be reimbursed for reasonable expenses re • Telephone rental and telephone calls • Travelling • Care of any child of councillor • Any other expenses councils determine appropriate • Satisfaction in serving community • Personal enrichment • Professional development

  9. How Much Time Does It Take? • Attendance at Council meetings • Attendance at Council workshops • Preparatory and background reading • Participation on committees • Attendance at official functions • Dealing with constituency issues • Participation at professional development forums and conferences

  10. Getting Elected • Campaigning • Need to plan and prepare • Need to build profile – merit in getting out early • Decide message you want to communicate and how best to do that • Advertising – brochures, posters, media advertising • Door knocking • Photographs • Using media – media releases, letters to editor, comment on topical issues

  11. Resources • Becoming a Councillor • www.lgat.tas.gov.au • LGAT Councillor Resources Kit • www.lgat.tas.gov.au • Guide to the Resource Management and Planning System • http://www.planning.tas.gov.au/the_planning_system/ • Local Government Division – Information Sheets • www.dpac.tas.gov.au

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