overseeing the financial stewardship of the council.

providing strategic direction through policy initiatives.

planning for the needs of the community and having a vision for the future.

representing their constituents as the consultative link between council and the community.

Elected members can ensure a positive and valid contribution to meetings by: Elected members are required to attend meetings regularly and must vote (except where a financial or proximity conflict of interest occurs) on matters coming before a Most of the decision making of a local government is undertaken in council meetings. Councillors mustД«e prepared to initiate new policies and activities in response to these changes.

The needs and desires of the community are constantly changing and evolving. In doing so, it is important to recognise that the most fundamental task is to try to achieve a strong sense of shared purpose and commitment. Getting the community to contribute to, endorse and follow that vision and associated plans demands leadership 1.1 Elected membersвЂ™ leadership role and meetingsДeveloping a vision for the community and deciding what needs to be done to achieve that vision is an important leadership role for council members. Councillors must endeavour to work as a team to serve the community. A strategic focus ensures that council can plan for and meet the future needs of its community.Д®ffective community leadership is a vital ingredient of good local governance. Councillors need to demonstrate strategic vision and leadership by putting in place guiding principles, policiesДЄnd local laws. determine the local governmentвЂ™s policies.Д®lected members are responsible for planning the future of their communities and developing the strategies and policies to achieve those plans.oversee the allocation of the local governmentвЂ™s finances and resources and.responsible for the performance of the local governmentвЂ™s functions.to govern the local governmentвЂ™s affairs.The high public expectations of elected members are set out by the description of the role of council in section The effective administration of the local government area depends on the performance of elected members as the elected community leaders. Citizens look to their councils to provide local solutions to problems. The strategic leadership role of elected membersДЄs the level of government closest to the people, a local government must be accessible to its community. The conduct of open, fair and accountable meetings of local government is important in fulfilling these principles.ДЎ. ethical and legal behaviour of elected members and local government employees.good governance of, and by, local government and.democratic representation, social inclusion and meaningful community engagement.sustainable development and management of assets and infrastructure, and delivery of effective services.transparent and effective processes and decision making in the public interest.Legislative requirements are based on the principles of the Act and relevant supporting regulations for achieving the councilвЂ™s decision making process is properly documented, transparent and accountable.

Council has acted within its authority under the Local Government Act 1995 (the Act) and.Well prepared agendas and accurate minutes ensure that: Well prepared agendas, orderly meetings and minutes that accurately reflect the actual decisions of council meetings are arguably the most important records of local governments. Issues to make decisions representing the overall public interest of the local governmentвЂ™s area. It is in meetings that elected members participate in discussion and debate on a wide variety of Procedure in line with the Western Australian legislative requirements and accepted meeting practice.ДЄs elected representatives in local government, elected members (Mayors, Presidents and Councillors) are required to attend council and committee meetings. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of council and committee members and details meeting

This вЂGuide to MeetingsвЂ™ is designed as a guide for elected members to support their effective participation in council and committee meetings.

The style council council meetin