Municipal leaders are seeking community input into the best ways to improve culture and conduct in the local government sector.

Northern Grampians Shire Council has invited people to comment on a Local Government Culture Discussion Paper.

The discussion paper is part of a Local Government Culture Project co-ordinated by PricewaterhouseCoopers on behalf of the State Government.

The discussion paper comprises 12 questions grouped into three themes:

• Leadership experience and capability.

• Councillor journey.

• Early intervention and dispute resolution.

Northern Grampians mayor Tony Driscoll said he saw the discussion paper as a starting point for the community to consider whether councils were functioning according to residents’ expectations.

“This discussion paper is available to everyone in our shire for comment,” he said.

“We encourage you to read the paper and write to the State Government by the end of next month so it can determine if further amendments need to be made to the Local Government Act or if further training and support is required to bring us up to a level that meets your expectations.

“Your suggestions could improve the way your councillors lead, behave and interact with the community or are held accountable if they misbehave, ultimately resulting in a better local government experience for you and your shire.”

Cr Driscoll said more information about the project was available online at www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/local-government-culture-project.

He said the paper was also available on the council’s ‘Have Your Say’ website page, www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/LGCulture and people could request a paper copy by calling council customer service on 5358 8700.

Written responses to the discussion paper are due by 5pm on February 28.

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