Golden Plains Shire Good Governance

Good governance is about the processes for making and implementing decisions. Having good processes generally leads to better outcomes for Committees of Management, Council and our local communities.

Why is Good Governance Important? Promotes community confidence. Encourages elected members to be confident. Leads to better decisions. Helps Council meet legislative requirements. Supports ethical decision making.

Good Governance is … Accountable and transparent Follows the rule of the law Responsive Equitable and inclusive Effective and efficient

Where is Golden Plains Shire? 18,770 residents, 52 communities and 16 townships. 70 Committees of Management (Section 86 and DSE) Over 300 Clubs and Community Groups

Golden Plains Shire Principles Local communities are best at identifying and resolving local issues. Building ‘community capacity’ is essential to developing vibrant healthy communities. Developing partnerships increases the likelihood of positive and sustainable responses to local needs and issues. Providing community ownership is essential.

Local Decision Making for Committees Under the Local Govt Act 1989 Council is required to make decisions or delegate the decision making power to officers or special committees known as Committee’s of Management (CoM). The decision making power of Committee’s of Management are established under Section 86 of the Local Government Act and detailed in an Instrument of Delegation.

Decision Making Accountability is a fundamental requirement of good governance. Council has an obligation to report, explain and be answerable for the consequences of decisions it has made on behalf of the community it represents. This extends to CoM’s.

How is This Done? An Instrument of Delegation (IOD) is a written agreement which delegates the functions, duties and powers to a special committee. All IOD’s include: –The objectives of the Committee –How Committee Members are Appointed –Meeting Procedures –Powers, Functions and Duties –Financial Management –Reporting to Council.

What are the Duties of Committees? Control and Manage the Reserve. Set usage fees on an annual basis. Approve users of the Reserve. Collect evidence of public liability insurance for all users. Conduct fundraising activities that support operational costs.

Accountability – Reports to Council Send a copy of all Minutes to Council within 14 days of meetings. Copy of 1 x Seasonal User agreement and 2 x samples of Casual Hire applications by 31 October each year. Copy of Annual Risk Assessment. Report break-ins. Advise in writing of any Committee resignations or changes. Prepare written budget to Council by 31 May. Report all injuries to Council.

How We Ensure The Health & Safety of Volunteers Council has a duty to insure all of its volunteers are working in a safe environment. All volunteers must have safe systems of work. Safe Work Method Statements are required to be completed. All volunteers must be registered.

Challenges For CoM’s Committee members need to balance representing the interests of the people who elected them as well as operate in the interests of the whole community. If they have personal interests in any of the decisions that they are part of, they must declare their conflict/interests and withdraw from the decision-making process.

Resource Manual The Committee of Management Resource Manual has been developed to provide an overview to good governance and operational issues for members of a Committee of Management, whether starting out on a Committee or as a long term member.

Resources to Support CoM’s - Resource Manual The Resource Manual addresses: - Committee Legal Responsibilities -Governance -Facility Management -Managing Volunteers -24 Forms and Templates -Hard and Electronic Copy distributed -Copy available at

Additional Support Annual IOD Training and Induction for New Members Volunteer Training Calendar 2 x F/T Recreation Officers Management Plans for our 6 Major Facilities Community Grants Program

Shaan Briggs Recreation Team Leader Ph: (03) ,