Wollongong City Council Administrators have approved several new policies in preparation for the return of Councillors in September 2011 relating to conduct, communications and Council meetings.

A revised policy ‘Access to Council Information and Staff by Councillors’ was adopted and will take effect at the beginning of the newly elected Council. The elected Council will be trained in the Policy during their induction.

“The old Policy has been reviewed and extensively updated to incorporate recommendations made in the Division of Local Government Circular 10-30 which was prepared with the assistance of the NSW Ombudsman, the ICAC and the NSW Information Commissioner,” said Administrator Richard Colley.

“The revised Policy provides clear direction for Councillors and staff as to their interactions.”

At the meeting, Council also adopted ‘Amended Code of Meeting Practice’ and ‘Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Lord Mayor and Councillors’ policies after consideration of community suggestions following the public exhibition of these two amended policies.

“These policies will take effect following the election of the new Council,” said Mr Colley.

“We have prepared these policies to ensure that an incoming Council has effective policies to assist in their role. The policies will improve accountability and transparency,” Mr Colley said.

“The policies set the standard of conduct that is expected from Councillors when representing the interests of the community, exercising their civic responsibilities and interacting with staff.

“A comprehensive induction program and ongoing professional development program for elected Councillors is nearing completion,” said Mr Colley.