Policies

The purpose of this policy is to provide a summary of Council’s commitment to asbestos management and direct staff and the public to the Model Asbestos Policy for NSW Councils. 

The purpose of this policy is to:

• establish a framework for the implementation of a records management program in conformity with standards and codes of best practice;
• ensure effective information management and retrieval across Council and highlight the responsibilities of Council staff regarding compliance with the State Records Act 1998;
• ensure the preservation of Council’s ‘corporate memory’ through sound recordkeeping practices and the accurate capture of information to meet legal, evidential and accountability requirements; and
• ensure Council’s Records Management Program provides timely and comprehensive information to meet operational business needs, accountability requirements and community expectations 

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance, clarity and consistency regarding the treatment of capital expenditure, depreciation, revaluations, disposals and acquisitions which will provide greater understanding and accuracy of Council’s capital requirements.

This policy sets out how Council will support the establishment of community gardens initiated by community groups and encourage, where appropriate, the development of community gardens on appropriate private and Council controlled land.

The purpose of the Policy is to facilitate a positive working relationship between Councillors, as the community’s elected representatives, and staff, who are employed to administer the operations of the Council.  

The Policy provides direction on interactions between Councillors and staff to assist both parties in carrying out their day-to-day duties professionally, ethically and respectfully. 

This policy and procedure provides a mechanism by which aggrieved staff may receive prompt, fair and consistent consideration of complaints, to help resolve problems relating to personal interactions within the organisation in a spirit of fairness and co-operation, and to minimise grievances by taking preventative or corrective action.

The purpose of this policy is to:

• ensure communications through social media meet legal requirements;
• increase community engagement and connect with residents;
• ensure the communication team has a record of all existing accounts and their activity;  offer responsive communication to the community;
• improve and encourage community engagement;
• guide and support Council officials responsible and productive use of social media;
• extend the reach of Council messages online by strengthening its relationships with relevant audiences;
• seek feedback and suggestions from engaged residents, ratepayers, business and visitors;
• monitor social media activity as it relates to Berrigan Shire Council; and
• assist employees to understand their responsibilities when posting social media content, including where private postings become a matter of concern to Council

The purpose of this policy is to recognise the loyal and dedicated service of individuals in a range of capacities, including:

• Elected members (Councillors)
• Employees
• Volunteers 

As a public-facing organisation, it is important service is honoured and acknowledged in a formal and public manner.

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance and processes for the provision of assistance to ratepayers who are experiencing genuine financial hardship with the payment of their rates and/or charges.

Council aim to:

• provide a decision making framework for the appropriate assessment of all arrangements and financial hardship applications;
• provide ratepayers with assistance and options to pay their accounts in a timely and acceptable manner;
• provide equitable treatment to all members of the community; and
• maintain legislative compliance 

The purpose of this policy is to formalise the Berrigan Shire Council’s management of trees including:

• Tree selection and planting
• Risk assessment
• Maintenance and tree removal
• Preservation