City of Marion, Sturt, SA

Councils in South Australia participate in the provision of important social and economic infrastructure and, where appropriate, act as an advocate, planner, coordinator and facilitator. City of Marion aims to provide physical, social, environmental and economic services and facilities that benefit its area, its ratepayers and its residents, as well as visitors to the area. The Local Government Act 1999 and the accompanying regulations set out the legal framework in which councils operate. Defining council's role is important as it helps to clarify the extent of council's actions and involvement. It also helps council to ensure that resources are allocated in the most efficient and effective manner. As set out in the Local Government Act 1999, the principal roles of a council are to: Act as a representative, informed and responsible decision-maker in the interests of its community, Provide and coordinate various public services and facilities and to develop its community and resources in a socially just and ecologically suistainable manner, Encourage and develop initiatives within its community for improving the quality of life of the community, Represent the interests of its community to the wider community, and Exercise, perform and discharge the powers, functions and duties of Local Government under this and other Acts in relation to the area for which it is constituted. The residents and ratepayers of the area elect the council to decide the overal direction and policies of the area. The council then employs a CEO who is the senior member of the staff and, as the manager, is responsible for ensuring that the policies and decisions of the council are implemented. The CEO also has a responsibility to act as an adviser to the council and to ensure that the council acts within the law.