How Council works

Kempsey Shire Council is one of 128 local councils across New South Wales. We provide a wide range of services and facilities to our local residents, businesses and visitors, including:

waste disposal and recycling
local roads, bridges and footpaths
water and sewerage
community services and facilities
public health, including inspections of food premises
planning, development and land use
playing fields, swimming pools, parks and playgrounds
library services
animal registration and control
environmental management, including pollution, pest and weed control
cemeteries
community events.

Legislation

Like all NSW councils, we are guided by a range of laws, regulations and policies. The Local Government Act 1993 provides the legal framework for the operation of councils, including:

providing for councils to be democratically elected
setting out the responsibilities and powers of councils and councillors
allowing councils and councillors to engage with the local community
providing for a system of local government that is accountable to the community and sustainable, flexible and effective.

Mayor and Councillors

At local government elections, residents vote for the candidates they think will best represent their interests and vision for the shire.

These elected representatives are known as Councillors.

At the local government elections, residents also vote for candidates for Mayor for Kempsey Shire.

Kempsey Shire Council has nine elected Councillors including the Mayor.

Duties

The role of the Mayor and Councillors is to:

be active, contributing members of Council
make considered and well-informed decisions as Council members
represent the interests of residents, ratepayers and the local community
facilitate communication between Council and the local community
uphold and accurately represent Council policies and decisions.

The Mayor is the main spokesperson for Council and has civic and ceremonial duties. The Mayor also presides over Council meetings and is a member of all Council committees.

In carrying out their duties, the Mayor and Councillors set Council policy and plan for the future needs of the community. They are not responsible for Council’s day-to-day administration or operational matters. This is the role of the General Manager.

How Council is funded

Council obtains income to carry out its functions from:

rates and charges collected from property owners
fees collected from the community for services
state and federal government grants
loans
investments.

Organisational structure

Under the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), Council's organisational structure must be determined within 12 months after an ordinary election. See Kempsey Shire Council's Organisational Chart.(PDF, 268KB)

Your participation

Kempsey Shire Council welcomes your participation in its policy and decision-making processes. You can get involved by:

voting at local government elections
attending Council meetings
participating in public meetings, forums, committees and consultations
reading Council information and providing feedback
standing for Council.