The South Australian Government has launched a web site to help communities understand how their Councils work. The site, called ‘How Councils Work: A Guide to the Rules’, encourages informed participation in Local Government by community groups. Topics include the roles and responsibilities of Local Government, accountability, the rating system, and a ‘how to’ guide for questioning Council decisions.
Cartoons by Ross Bateup add an element of humour to the web site and provide further explanation of the concepts.
South Australian Local Government Minister, Rory McEwen, hailed the web site as a highly practical community guide.
“Local Government is taking on a growing importance as the third tier of our democratic structure,” he said. “This web site deals with a host of matters that affect people and businesses at the local community level.”
He said it was an opportunity for candidates in the May Local Government elections to increase their understanding of Council functions.
“It is vital that Councils represent the diversity of our community,” Minister McEwen said. “For this to happen, the first step is to ensure that Councils are understood by and accessible to all.”
For further information visit the web site at www.localgovt.sa.gov.au/hcw
