Benalla Rural City Council is committed to transparent and effective governance that supports our community’s needs. This page provides an overview of how the Council operates, makes decisions, and ensures accountability through established committees, policies, and access to public documents.

Decision-Making Processes

The Council’s decision-making is guided by robust frameworks to ensure fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. Key facts include:

• Council Resolutions
  Decisions requiring formal Council action are made through resolutions, as defined by Section 59 of the Local Government Act 2020.
• Delegation of Powers
  Some decisions are made by delegates authorised through written instruments. Delegation allows the Council to act efficiently while maintaining legal compliance.
• Council Meetings
  Council operates a monthly cycle of meetings, including Planning and Development, Finance and Operations, and General Council Meetings. Meetings are held on Wednesdays at the Civic Centre, 13 Mair Street, Benalla. During daylight savings time, meetings begin at 6pm (otherwise 5.30pm during Winter). Residents can attend sessions, access minutes and agendas online, or watch live broadcasts via the Council’s YouTube channel.
• Community Consultation
  Community consultation is central to the Council’s operations. Residents are encouraged to participate through public notices, online surveys, focus groups, and Advisory Committees. Visit the “Have Your Say” page or explore the Community Engagement Framework for more information.

Audit and Risk Committee

The Audit and Risk Committee is integral to the Council’s governance, providing oversight on financial reporting, internal controls, and organisational ethical standards.

• Membership
  The committee comprises members with expertise in finance and governance, including Cr Puna Hewa Gunaratne, Cr Peter Davis, and independent members including Ms Rita HP Ruyters and Mr Cameron Gray.
• External Auditor
  An external auditor is appointed through a state-wide application and expression-of-interest process to provide additional oversight.
• Committee Charter
  The committee operates under a Terms of Reference reviewed annually, ensuring alignment with best practices.

Access to Public Documents

To uphold transparency, Benalla Rural City Council provides access to a variety of documents for public inspection. These include:

• Council Plans and Policies
  Access plans, budgets, strategies, and policies online here
• Registers
  View important registers such as the Delegations Register, Councillor Gift Register, Personal Interest Returns, and Leases here.
• Meeting Agendas and Minutes
  Download agendas and minutes for all public meetings other than Councillor Assemblies here.
• Other Available Documentation
  Documents such as Community Satisfaction Survey results, public notices, and annual reports can be accessed at the Customer Service Centre or Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Learning Centre (library).

If you require further assistance locating a document, contact Council at 03 5760 2600 or email council@benalla.vic.gov.au.

Governance Rules

The Council’s Governance Rules, established in compliance with the Local Government Act 2020, outline key procedures for fair decision-making. These rules ensure community members affected by Council decisions can share their views and have their interests considered.

Submissions and Transparency

Benalla Rural City Council regularly prepares submissions on behalf of the community to advocate for their interests. Submissions, as part of the Council’s Transparency Policy, are publicly available below.

Transparency and community involvement remain at the heart of how Benalla Rural City Council operates. By adhering to these principles, we strive to ensure our actions reflect the best interests of all residents.