Have your say now on Council’s new Governance Local Law

Published on 07 August 2020

At its last Ordinary Meeting on July 20, Council endorsed Draft Governance Local Law 2020 and is inviting the community to have their say.

If formalised, the new local law will revoke the existing Governance Local Law number 1 (2018), which would otherwise remain in force until October 2028.

Frankston City Mayor, Sandra Mayer, said the new law was inspired by changes being made to the Local Government Act this year.

“The Local Government Act is being updated in four stages and requires Council to develop, adopt and keep in force Governance Rules. These rules will be the primary reference document when it comes to how Council governs,” Cr Mayer said.

“However, Governance Rules are not enforceable like local laws so Councillors expressed a desire for a new Local Law to cover the use of the common seal, inappropriate conduct at Council and Delegated Committee Meetings and offences relating to misuse of petitions and joint letters.”

“The overall purpose of the new Local Law and the overarching Governance Rules are to ensure good governance of Council, which is incredibly important to the community,” Cr Mayer added.

“That is why we are encouraging residents to contribute their thoughts before the draft is made official.”

To review the Draft Governance Local Law 2020 and read the Community Impact Statement, visit: frankston.vic.gov.au and search ‘Governance Local Law’.

If you do not have internet access, you can request a hardcopy of the Local Law and Community Impact Statement by phoning: 1300 322 322

To make a submission in accordance with section 223 of the Act email: info@frankston.vic.gov.au or address your hardcopy submission to:

Governance Team
Frankston City Council
PO Box 490
Frankston VIC 3199

Any person making a submission is entitled to request (in the submission itself) that they or a person acting on their behalf, be heard at a Council meeting in support of the submission. Notice of the meeting date and time will be given to each person who has lodged a submission. Submissions close on Friday 28 August 2020.

Council has also accepted public submissions on The Draft Governance Rules, Draft Public Transparency Policy and Draft Council Expenses Policy.

These documents are available on Council’s website. Submissions closed on Thursday 6 August and feedback will be considered and included in a report to be presented to Council at its Ordinary Meeting on 31 August.