Theme 1: Leadership and Good Governance Council demonstrates leadership to assure the community that there is capacity and flexibility to plan for and manage emerging challenges, as well as responding to immediate needs and concerns. Good governance is evident in transparent and well-informed decisionmaking for the long term, sound management of resources and diverse and effective engagement with community members. Strategic Objectives 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Council demonstrates leadership in its decisions and uses good governance principles to guide decision-making Advocacy about our priorities is effective Community members take an active part in democratic engagement Greater Bendigo people receive responsive, accessible and inclusive customer service Staff members are enabled to work effectively Service delivery is of excellent standard
Challenges and Opportunities
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Council has a strategic leadership role in setting priorities and making decisions that will enhance the wellbeing of our communities and enable effective planning for the future. People increasingly want to take an active part in consultation about each phase of the development of new Council initiatives, strategies, Masterplans, and service reviews. Community engagement opportunities need to keep pace with changing use of technology. An engaged community is a strength that enables significant partnerships and service delivery opportunities to counter government funding shortfalls. State Government and community have high expectations with regards reporting on performance and audit outcomes, especially with regards the long term impact of strategies on people’s lives and wellbeing. The future financial liability associated with the Superannuation defined benefits shortfall remains unresolved and unclear. Being prepared to manage risk and emergencies is important. Detailed workforce planning and development is undertaken to ensure Council has the right number of people in place with the right skills able to deliver the right outcomes, all the time. Organisations such as the City of Greater Bendigo (and other Councils) face challenges related to a changing industrial relations arena, the ageing of the general workforce, skill and talent shortages, and different generational motivators, corresponding to attraction and retention issues. Prudent financial management is critical to the long term viability and sustainability of the City.
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