The City Council is responsible for all matters relating to governance, policy, local laws and budget appropriation on behalf of its constituents.

Individual Councillors, including the Mayor, cannot make decisions as individuals. The Council itself does not have any delivery or executive functions, but rather relies on the decisions of the majority of the group which provide direction for the Chief Executive Officer to implement.

The Local Government Act defines the roles of Council and the Councillors as follows:

Role of Council

1. direct and control the Local Government’s affairs
2. be responsible for the performance of the Local Government’s functions
3. oversee the allocation of the Local Government’s finances and resources
4. determine the Local Government’s policies.

Role of the Mayor

1. preside at meetings in accordance with the Local Government Act
2. provide leadership and guidance to the community in the district
3. carry out civic and ceremonial duties on behalf of the Local Government
4. speak on behalf of the Local Government
5. perform such other functions as are given to the Mayor by the Local Government Act or any other written law
6. liaise with the CEO on the Local Government’s affairs and the performance of its functions.

Role of Councillors

1. represent the interests of electors, ratepayers and residents of the district
2. provide leadership and guidance to the community in the district
3. facilitate communication between the community and the Council
4. participate in the Local Government’s decision making processes at council and committee meetings
5. perform such other functions as are given to a Councillor by the Local Government Act or any other written law.