What is good governance?

“Ngana Muruku Maja Majanji Bubu Kujil” (We all together work together to better country’ - Eastern Kuku Yalanji)

“Nganyjin jirra-kaliyi” (Our direction or way of doing something- Yirrganydji)

Good governance is about the processes for making and implementing decisions. It’s not about making ‘correct’ decisions, but about the best possible process for making those decisions.

Good decision-making processes, and therefore good governance, share several characteristics. All have a positive effect on various aspects of local government including consultation policies and practices, meeting procedures, service quality protocols, councillor and officer conduct, role clarification and good working relationships. (Source – www.goodgovernance.org.au)

This is Council’s governance branch:

Human Resources

 Work commenced on the streamlining of Human Resource functions within Council

 Many training courses co-ordinated across all areas of Council

 Ongoing recruitment, selection and placement of staff

 Many opportunities over this last 12 months for local employment.

Workplace Health & Safety

 Establishment of Council’s Safeplan and internal Safety Management System

 A partial desktop audit of Council’s Workplace Health & Safety Management Systems was completed by Local Government Workcare. This is a precursor to formal field audit due to be completed in December 2014

 Successful role out of the Fitbit challenge to a majority of the outdoor workforce

 Workplace Health & Safety Committee formed and regular meetings held.

Governance & Property

 Finalisation of Audit Committee Membership. Induction session held for Committee and regular meetings commenced

 Internal Audit Plan for 2014/15 finalised with Council’s Internal Auditor and presented to audit committee

 Project team completed Annual Report in conjunction with the CEO Unit & Finance Department

 Tender for the 15 year lease of the Port Douglas Caravan Park – called and awarded

 After 17 years of service at the Wonga Beach Caravan Park Cecilia Pinkstone retired and her great contribution was acknowledged by Council. New Caretakers have commenced at the park

 Through the service offered by the Local Government Association of Queensland, staff have commenced training in the Legislative Compliance tool which will greatly enhance Council operations

 Review of general policies transferred through de-amalgamation has commenced and is ongoing

 Significant number of property/tenure issues addressed and being progressed relating to Council owned and controlled facilities

 Updated Council’s website with Right to Information statutory requirements

Workplace Health and Safety Training

 Wet & Dry tenders called and public forum held to address any concerns with contractors.