Section 2 - Statutory StatementsFreedom of Information - Statement of Affairs- Section 428 Part 2 (r) & Section 14(1)(a) Freedom of Information ActVision StatementTo be a vibrant sustainable community of connected villages inspired by bush, beach and waterMission StatementTo be leaders in the provision of local government services, to strive for sustainability through conservation,the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment of <strong>Pittwater</strong> and to improve the qualityof life for our community and for future generations.ValuesRespectKey concepts: trust, understanding, support responsiveWe will promote an environment of respect through valuing other people. We will be open-minded;encouraging and recognising others for their contribution, knowledge and experience.CommunicationKey concepts: teamwork, collaboration, consultation, responsibilityWe will strive for clear, open communication by careful listening, sharing of information and responding ina timely manner to achieve greater understanding and the best outcomes.EthicsKey concepts: equality, honesty, transparency, responsibility, ownershipOur approach will be honest and transparent and our decisions will be fair and equitable. We will manageour finances responsibly and work within legislative requirements.QualityKey concepts: professionalism, innovation, continuous improvement, ownership, learning.We will use our skills, knowledge and professionalism to strive for excellence. We will foster a culture ofcontinuous learning, improvement and innovation and build a solid foundation for the future.IntroductionIn accordance with Section 14(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 1989 (FOI), <strong>Pittwater</strong> <strong>Council</strong> hasproduced its annual Statement of Affairs as at June 2009.The purpose of the document is to provide members of the public with information concerning:• The structure and functions of the <strong>Council</strong>;• The way in which the functions of <strong>Council</strong> affect the public;• The ways by which the public are able to participate in policy and decision-making;• The types of documents and records held by <strong>Council</strong>;• How the public may access documents and recordsIn accordance with the Act, a “Summary of Affairs” has also been produced which lists the policy documentsof <strong>Pittwater</strong> <strong>Council</strong>. The Statement and Summary of Affairs are available free of charge from <strong>Council</strong>.Structure of <strong>Pittwater</strong> <strong>Council</strong>The MayorThe Mayor of <strong>Pittwater</strong> <strong>Council</strong> is elected by all <strong>Council</strong>lors annually and occupies a special position in localgovernment. The Mayor presides at meetings of the <strong>Council</strong> and undertakes the following:-• Exercises functions of the <strong>Council</strong> as the <strong>Council</strong> has delegated• Carries out the civic and ceremonial functions of the Mayoral office• Where necessary, exercises the policy-making functions of the <strong>Council</strong> between meetings of the<strong>Council</strong>.46
Section 2 - Statutory StatementsFreedom of Information - Statement of Affairs - cont.The <strong>Council</strong>lors<strong>Pittwater</strong> <strong>Council</strong> has nine elected <strong>Council</strong>lors including the Mayor and the role and responsibilities of a<strong>Council</strong>lor can be divided into two main categories (Local Government Act, 1993 –S232):1. As a member of the governing body, each <strong>Council</strong>lor is required to participate in the decision makingprocesses that guide and govern the affairs of the <strong>Council</strong>;2. As an elected representative of the community.The General ManagerThe General Manager is responsible for:• Efficient, effective operation of the <strong>Council</strong> organisation and day to day management• Ensuring <strong>Council</strong> decisions and policies are implemented, and overseeing this process• Appointing, directing and dismissing staff• Implementing the <strong>Council</strong>’s values.Divisional Structure<strong>Pittwater</strong> <strong>Council</strong>’s structure includes the following divisions:• Environmental Planning and Community• Corporate Services• Urban and Environmental AssetsFunctions of <strong>Pittwater</strong> <strong>Council</strong>Under the Local Government Act, 1993 (Section 8) <strong>Council</strong> must among other things, give considerationto:• Providing directly, or on behalf of other levels of government, adequate, equitable and appropriateservices and facilities for the community• Ensuring that provided services are managed efficiently and effectively• Exercising community leadership• Exercising its functions in a manner that is consistent with and actively promotes the principle ofcultural diversity• Properly managing, developing, protection, restoring, enhancing and conserving the environment ofthe area for which it is responsible, in a manner that is consistent with and promotes the principles ofecologically sustainable development• The long term and cumulative effects of its decisions• The fact that it is the custodian and trustee of public assets• Effectively accounting for and managing the assets for which it is responsible• Facilitating the involvement of <strong>Council</strong>lors, members of the public, users of facilities and services and<strong>Council</strong> staff in the development, improvements and co-ordination of local government• Raising funds for local purposes by way of rates, charges and fees, investments, loans and grants• Keeping the local community informed about its activities• Ensuring that, in the exercise of its regulatory functions, it acts consistently and without bias• Being a responsible employer.Impact of <strong>Council</strong>’s Functions on the CommunityThe functions of <strong>Pittwater</strong> <strong>Council</strong> with the exception of internal functions, all impact on the community.ServicesMany of the services and facilities the community utilize are provided by <strong>Council</strong>, including the maintenanceand construction of roads and reserves, infrastructure works, a garbage collection service, library services,childcare services, lifesaving services and other community services.Regulatory<strong>Council</strong> controls and regulates development and construction, health standards and traffic management toensure community safety and environmental protection. Members of the community have a responsibilityto abide by statutory regulations.RevenueThe community is affected and benefits through <strong>Council</strong> raising revenue via rates, fees and charges to fundfacilities and services provided.Administration<strong>Council</strong> has various requirements to comply with under the Local Government Act, which including supportof elected representatives,<strong>Council</strong>, Committee and public meetings and the preparation of statutorydocumentation including the <strong>Council</strong>’s Management Plan outlining the <strong>Council</strong>’s future direction.47