How We Make Decisions

Decision Making

The Council is a legal entity composed of its members (i.e., the Councillors). The Council is not a ‘natural’ person, it can act in only one of two ways:

 

  • by resolution, or

  • through others acting on its behalf.

 

The power of a Council to act by resolution is set out in Section 59 of the Local Government Act 2020 as follows:

 

Where a Council is empowered to do any act, matter or thing, the decision to do the act, matter or thing is to be made by a resolution of the Council.

 

Alternatively, a Council can act through others by delegating its powers via written ‘instruments of delegation’.

 

The Local Government Act 2020 and other acts make express provision for the appointment of delegates to act on behalf of the Council.

 

Meetings

The Council operates a monthly cycle of meetings:

  • Assembly of Councillors – Business Review

  • Planning and Development Committee

  • Finance and Operations Committee

  • Council Meetings

  • Unscheduled meetings as required

Meetings are held on Wednesday in the Civic Centre, 13 Mair Street, Benalla, unless otherwise advised. Meetings commence at 5.30pm. During daylight savings time meetings commence at 6pm. 

 

Members of the public are encouraged to watch the live broadcast of the meetings on the Council's YouTube Channel. 

 

Members of the public are welcome to attend meetings other than Assemblies of Councillors. 

 

Agendas and Minutes for all meetings other than Assemblies of Councillors are available for download. 

 

Consultation

The Council acknowledges that effective communication and consultation are vital to the decision making processes that enable it to lead and advocate on behalf of its residents. Effective communication and open consultation with the community are key objectives of the Council Plan.

 

Download the Council's Community Engagement Policy and Community Engagement Framework and Toolkit(PDF, 640KB)

 

The Council uses a number of methods to consult with the community which includes:

  • Agendas, Minutes and key Council documents are made available online and at the Council Customer Service Centre and the Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Learning Centre

  • Council News monthly newsletter, mailed direct to all households across Benalla Rural City

  • Surveys, focus groups and “kitchen table conversations”

  • Direct mail, direct emails/newsletters, postcards, face to face meetings and community workshops

  • Community representation on Advisory Committees, Project Control Groups Steering Committees and Working Groups

  • Customer Report Management System

  • Online via the Council's website, Facebook page and Twitter account, and other online Council assets: Benalla Art Gallery, Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre, Library, Youth, Benalla Festival, Benalla Services, Tourism, L2P Program and Supporting Benalla Business

 

Members of the public can contact the Council to seek information on any aspect of Council operations. 

 

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