Council to be put under microscope

Gunnedah Shire Council will undergo a routine assessment to ensure it is meeting best practice guidelines.

Two officers from the Division of Local Government and Department of Premier and Cabinet will head up the ‘Promoting Better Practice Program’, which has already been carried out in two thirds of NSW councils.

The aim of the review is to ensure the good governance of councils, improve the way councils conduct their activities and monitor their overall performance.

General Manager Robert Campbell said it would be extremely beneficial for the council.
“It’s a positive thing as it will look at where our strengths lie and the areas that need improving.

“If we are going to improve, there’s a number of things that can come out of this,” he said.

The independent officers will spend three or four days at council from October 18.

They will sit in on next month’s council meeting, ensuring that questioning is appropriate, codes of practice guidelines are being followed and examine how the meeting is conducted.

The officers will also look at council’s overall strategic direction, check compliance practices, ensure performance monitoring procedures are in place and provide council feedback.

Council’s occupational health and safety procedures and how it develops and administers its financial management plans will also be reviewed.

Once the assessment is completed, a draft report outlining key issues will be compiled for council to comment on before a list of recommendations for improvements is handed down.