The Role of Council

Your Council represents the community, makes informed decisions about the Shire’s future, and ensures essential services are delivered effectively and responsibly.

In Western Australia, local governments are established under the Local Government Act 1995, which sets out their purpose to:

  • provide for good government;
  • deliver services and facilities that meet community needs;
  • operate efficiently and effectively; and
  • remain accountable to the community.

Learn more about the services we provide on our Community page.

How Local Government Works

Each Local Government has two key parts — the Council and the Administration. Together, they ensure our Shire is well-managed, transparent and focused on community needs.

The Council

The Council sets the direction for the Shire by:

  • developing long-term plans and strategies;
  • deciding what services and facilities will be provided;
  • approving the annual budget;
  • adopting policies; and
  • overseeing the performance of the organisation.

The Council is made up of Elected Members (Councillors) and the Shire President. In towns and cities, this role is known as the Mayor.

Meet your current representatives on our Shire Councillors page. Find out how local elections work on our Information for Candidates page.

The Role of the Shire President

The Shire President is elected by Councillors to lead the Council. While the President has the same voting power as other Councillors, they take on additional responsibilities, including:

  • chairing Council meetings;
  • representing the Shire at civic and ceremonial events;
  • liaising with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO); and
  • speaking on behalf of the Shire.

The Role of Councillors

Councillors are elected to represent the interests of the community. Their duties include:

  • representing the views of residents, ratepayers and electors;
  • providing leadership and guidance;
  • facilitating communication between the community and the Council; and
  • participating in Council and Committee meetings to make decisions.

All decisions are made collectively at Council meetings — individual Councillors cannot act independently on behalf of the Shire.

The Administration

The Administration is responsible for carrying out Council decisions and managing the day-to-day operations of the Shire, including:

  • delivering local services and maintaining facilities;
  • managing budgets, records and staff; and
  • implementing Council policies.

The Administration is led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and supported by Directors, Managers and Officers across a range of service areas.

Working Together for Our Community

The Council and Administration work hand-in-hand to plan for the future, protect our natural environment, and provide quality services that make the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale a great place to live, work and visit.