Role of Local Government

The primary role of local government is to assume responsibility for the "good rule and government of its area". In performing this role, the functions of our Council are many and varied. Broadly speaking, they may be grouped into five major categories:

• Service Functions – the provision of a wide range of property and people services, such as refuse collection, water supply, sewerage, drainage, roads, public health, welfare, libraries, sport and recreation, toilets, parks, environmental health, street lighting etc.
• Regulatory Functions – control and administration of laws governing building, town planning and environmental health, subdivision, parking, noxious weeds, animals, advertising, parks etc.
• Representation Functions – Councils and elected members have a duty to represent and to act in the interests of the community and electors.
• Community Planning and Coordinating Functions – Council plays an important role in working with government and non-government organizations and community groups in planning, coordination and delivery of programs services and facilities, which strengthen local communities and enhance community well being.
• Participation Functions – Council provides channels for community participating in policies and decisions affecting the local community.

To adequately perform this role, we the elected members, management and staff of the Johnstone Shire Council, need to work together to a plan that addresses the present and future needs of the residents of our Shire.

This document, called the Corporate Plan, is designed to achieve this aim and at the same time, give greater accountability so that the public can better understand what the Council is doing, for what reason and with what results.

The Corporate Plan is a living document and should be reviewed annually with input from Council, management, staff and the community.

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Mission

The shire will be a place that welcomes cultural, environmental and economic diversity.

Vision

The vision for the shire is segregated into four parts, they are:

• Johnstone Shire will be primarily a rural Shire, with a strong and diverse agricultural production sector, encouraging a broader industry base, including manufacturing, education, research and tourism.
  
• Johnstone Shire Council will encourage the provision of opportunities for Shire residents to pursue employment, education and leisure locally, to be well housed and to enjoy a relaxed and friendly lifestyle within a culturally diverse community.
  
• The Shire’s natural resources, including soil, water, fauna, flora, minerals and air, will be valued by the whole community, and will be responsibly managed for the benefit of current, and future generations. The Shire will be an inspiration to others for its initiatives in sound environmental planning, especially for ensuring the survival of a viable population of the endangered species, the cassowary, in its natural habitat.
  
• Council will be responsible and progressive in its management of the Shire. The community will be encouraged to share pride in the social, economic and environmental well-being of the Shire, and be actively involved in its care and management.

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