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Management Plans - General Information

What is a Management Plan?

A Management Plan forms part of the process for providing clear purpose and direction in the planning of Council's proposed activities, functions and services. The plan identifies Council's goals to be achieved and generates a number of strategies and actions to achieve these goals. The plan ties financial planning and annual budgets to Council activities and programs over a short to medium term with an emphasis on performance measures.

The Management Plan indicates how the Council organisation is performing in meeting the needs and aspirations of the people Council serves. The operation of the Management Plan therefore relates closely to the organisational structure of Council.

Why does Council Need a Management Plan?

With the introduction of the Local Government Act 1993 more flexibility was provided to Councils in determining what service functions could be carried out by each Council and how. Such an approach however requires Councils to be accountable. The Management Plan forms part of the accountability framework for Councils. The requirements for Management Plans are contained in Chapter 13 of the Act entitled How Are Councils Made Accountable For Their Actions.

For the Management Plan to be an effective organisational tool it needs to be more than just a response to legislation. The Management Plan sets out what we propose to achieve over the next 5 years and more specifically the tasks and projects to be achieved over the coming year. It has been designed to meet certain legislative requirements while communicating our vision for Kyogle Council's future.

It is a useful planning tool which:

  • Highlights the issues of most concern to Council and the community
  • Identifies how we will respond to areas of greatest need by identifying specific tasks and projects
  • Sets targets by which we can be measured against
  • Is a "living document" in that it is constantly subject to review.

The Management Plan's emphasis on performance requires commitment by Council and staff, and ensures accountability. The Management Plan provides a guide to performance for Council staff assessment relating to efficiencies and effectiveness of operations and for external examination by the public and State Government.

What does the Management Plan Include?

The Local Government Act 1993 prescribes what matters must be included in the Management Plan. Section 402 of the Act requires Council to prepare a draft management plan each year with respect to:

  • the council's activities for at least the next 3 years; and
  • the council's revenue policy for the next year.

The Management Plan also includes Fees and Charges, Accountability Statements and Budgets.

How Can People Contribute to the Plan?

The purpose of the Management Plan is to help Council to better serve its customers including business interests, residents and visitors alike. There is a legitimate role for community participation in the Management Plan process in order for the diverse needs of the community to be debated and communicated to Council.

Section 405 of the Local Government Act 1993 requires that draft management plans be exhibited for public comment. During the period (28 day minimum) submissions may be made to Council. The exhibition period provides people with the opportunity to suggest alternative priorities, budget considerations and other proposals.

 

Related Pages

  • 2008/2009 Management Plan
    Council adopted the 2008/2009 Management Plan at its Ordinary Meeting held 23 June 2008.
  • 2007/2008 Management Plan
    At Council's Extraordinary meeting held 22 June 2006, Kyogle Council adopted its Management Plan for the 2007/2008 Financial Year.