Shire to enter caretaker period next week

THE Surf Coast Shire council will enter the caretaker period on Tuesday next week as the council election begins.
The existing council held its last meeting on Tuesday this week, and the new council will not sit until November 24.
To comply with the Local Government Act, the council will start the caretaker period at the time nominations close on nomination day (in this case, noon on Tuesday, September 22) and end it at 6pm on election day (October 24).
A Surf Coast Shire spokesperson said the “normal day-to-day business of Council continues throughout caretaker period, with some restrictions”.
“Generally the types of decisions made will be those that are necessary for Council operational purposes or pursuant to a statutory obligation.”
During this time, the council is prohibited from making decisions that:

• Relate to the appointment or remuneration of the chief executive officer but not to the appointment or remuneration of an acting chief executive officer; or
• Commit the council to expenditure exceeding one per cent of the council’s income (in this case, $548,987) from general rates, municipal charges and service rates and charges in the previous financial year
• The council considers could be reasonably deferred until the next council is in place
• The council considers should not be made during an election period, or
• Would enable the use of the council’s resources in a way that is intended to influence, or is likely to influence, voting at the election.

There are also limitations on the council’s publications, public consultation and events during the caretaker period.
According to the shire’s Governance Rules, “careful consideration should be given regarding decisions that are being made at Council or delegated committee meetings in the election period, to ensure that the authority of the
incoming Council is not unreasonably compromised”.
Examples of decisions to be avoided during the election period include allocating community grants or other direct funding to community organisations, major planning scheme amendments, and changes to strategic objectives and strategies in the Council Plan.