Background Information
Under the Local Government Act 1993, Wingecarribee Shire Council must adopt a policy for Councillor expenses and facilities within the first year of each term. This policy, supplementing Councillor fees, must comply with legislation and Office of Local Government (OLG) guidelines.
A draft policy, based on the OLG template, has been prepared, reviewing the existing policy adopted in August 2024. Significantly, no new expense categories are proposed.
The key amendment is an increase in the annual Carer Expenses limit from $2,000 to $8,000. This reflects the increased cost of carer services and the extensive involvement of Councillors in meetings, activities and events. This adjustment ensures Councillors are adequately supported in their roles.
Minor updates include legislative revisions and clarifying text to enhance policy language and intent. These changes aim to improve clarity and maintain alignment with current standards.
The draft policy retains all existing provisions, incorporating only the described amendments for Council consideration. This review demonstrates Council's commitment to transparency and responsible governance, ensuring effective use of public resources. The adjustments aim to streamline operations and provide necessary support, without introducing significant new burdens.
Viewing the Policy
The Draft Policy and associated documentation may be viewed:
- Document Library on this page
- Council’s Customer Service Counter, Civic Centre, 68 Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale NSW 2577, between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday
- Councils Libraries
Exhibition Period
The Draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy is on public exhibition for a minimum period of 28 days from 8.30am Friday 21 March until 4.30pm Tuesday 22 April 2025.
Providing Feedback
- Submission Form (below)
- Emailed to mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au with the email subject title Draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy
- Hand delivered to Council's Civic Centre at 68 Elizabeth Street, Moss Vale NSW 2577
- Posted to Wingecarribee Shire Council, PO Box 141, Moss Vale NSW 2577
Only written submissions will be considered and these must be received by Council before Tuesday 22 April 2025. Please note that any submissions received may be included in the final report to Council.
Your feedback is a way for you to share your thoughts and ideas on a particular issue or project. The goal is to make sure your voice and the community’s voices are heard and considered. It helps provide valuable insights, identify potential issues and suggest improvements. This way, decisions can be more inclusive, transparent and effective, reflecting what you and the community really needs and wants.
Responses to engagement projects are compiled and considered. When projects are reported to Council to make a decision a summary of community feedback will be included. Updates on projects will be included in these pages and elsewhere on Council's website.
Sometimes it takes some months to provide feedback to the community and to make a decision as further investigation is often needed. We are listening and we do take your suggestions on board!
Next Steps
Submissions received will be reviewed and a final report will be developed for adoption by Council. For project updates, please follow and subscribe to this page.
