The Advocacy Policy has been prepared to guide the approach to the development of the Advocacy Strategy. Council advocacy priorities will change over time, however why we advocate and how we will approach advocacy should be clearly defined. The policy also clarifies the roles and responsibilities for the determination of the advocacy priorities.

This policy provides the basis for the equitable allocation of resources to eligible Committees of Management over recreation and community facilities.

This policy provides the strategic direction to manage Council’s existing and future physical assets efficiently and effectively.

Section 54 of the Local Government Act 2020 requires Council to adopt an Audit and Risk Committee Charter. The Audit and Risk Committee Charter outlines the functions and responsibilities of the Audit and Risk Committee is assisting the Council fulfil its oversight and corporate governance responsibilities. The Charter provides for the structure and operation of the Committee.

Under the Local Government Act 1989 Council is responsible for the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (section 94(1)). This policy has been developed to support the requirements of the Act through the establishment of an advisory committee known as the Chief Executive Officer Employment and Remuneration Committee. The Committee will assist Council to fulfil its responsibilities relating to CEO employment, performance and remuneration matters.

The East Gippsland Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee will provide advice, guidance and recommendations to East Gippsland Shire Council on matters that affect the agriculture sector in East Gippsland and its communities.

This policy provides guidance to Council Staff in relation to its civic leadership and recognition role.

This policy provides Council with a framework for a consistent approach to the consideration of applications for land use and development in Gippsland Lakes towns whilst conforming to State Planning Policy which requires council to plan for and manage the potential impacts of climate change.

We have a principles-based Community Engagement Policy outlining our commitment to informed, representative and supported engagement and outcomes with our community. The policy aims to outline how the community can have a voice in influencing Council decisions; identify our intention to act on community input; increase transparency of the decisions that impact the community; build the community’s trust in Council’s decision-making process; and contribute to better outcomes for the community.

The purpose of this policy is to establish a framework that supports how council will respond to complaints within the limits of its resources while ensuring consistent, efficient and effective complaint management.

Council is responsible for enforcing the provisions of a wide range of legislation providing for the safety, health and amenity of the community generally.

To provide a framework for the consistent management and administration of appointment, review, reporting and support arrangements in relation to Council representation on external organisations and internal boards/committees and other entities.

Section 41 of the Local Government Act 2020 requires Council to adopt and maintain a policy in relation to the reimbursement of expenses for Councillors and members of delegated committees. This policy outlines the allowances for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillors and the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the performance of official duties and support to assist Councillors to perform their official duties.

This policy establishes the framework that supports how EGSC will respond to customer contacts within the limits of Council resources.

This policy governs the consideration and management of development plans, which are a relatively new planning tool within the East Gippsland Planning Scheme. This policy seeks to ensure that applicants are clear about the requirements and process associated with the consideration of development plans.

The Terms of Reference provides the Disability Advisory Committee with a framework to maximise their contribution to access and inclusion solutions within Council.

These Terms of Reference establish the guiding principles for the operation of the East Gippsland Shire Livestock Exchange Consultative Committee together with its structure, objectives and reporting protocols.

This document sets out the structure and Terms of Reference to guide the East Gippsland Shire Council Marina Consultative Committee.

The Election Period Policy provides a framework for decisions prohibited by the Council during the Election Period in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act), and the procedures to be applied by Council during the Election Period. These provisions are intended to assist Councillors and officers to continue to conduct ordinary matters of administration that need to be addressed in the lead up to an election, while maintaining public confidence in an unbiased election process.

The Fair Access Policy seeks to address known barriers experienced by women and girls in accessing and using community sports infrastructure. The Policy aims to progressively build capacity and capabilities of East Gippsland Shire Council in the identification, and elimination of systemic causes of gender inequality in community sports and active recreation.

This policy and supporting procedure provides a framework for the sustainable use and management of our roads, road related areas and public spaces. This policy facilitates footpath trade which does not obstruct pedestrian access or create an unsafe or unsightly environment.

Council promotes a culture where all fraudulent and corrupt activities once noticed or legitimately suspected are reported, investigated and resolved in a timely and fair manner. We actively encourage any person to report suspected incidents of fraud and corruption affecting our organisation.

The Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) delivers positive action towards achieving workplace gender equality and considers and addresses the outcomes from the baseline Workplace Gender Audit (WGA) completed by Council in 2021.

The Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy, required under section 138 of the Local Government Act 2020, outlines the East Gippsland Shire Council’s position on Councillors responding to offers of gifts, benefits and hospitality and providing gifts, benefits and hospitality. The policy supports Councillors and Council to avoid conflicts of interest and maintain high levels of integrity and public trust.

The process for conducting Council meetings is guided by Governance Rules. The Governance Rules provide for Council to consider and make decisions on any matter fairly and on the merits and enable a person whose rights are directly affected by a decision to have their views heard and interest considered in the process. The Governance Rules apply to Council meetings and meetings of delegated committees and community asset committees.

The Policy will assist ratepayers who are having problems paying their rates by providing a clear understanding of the options and assistance available to those who are experiencing hardship. The Policy ensures ratepayers are treated fairly and without discrimination by providing a framework to ensure a consistent approach to supporting ratepayers who are experiencing hardship.

The purpose of the Internal Resolution Procedure (Procedure) is to provide a structured approach for handling alleged breaches of the Model Councillor Code of Conduct, encouraging respectful and constructive resolution of disputes to maintain effective working relationships and minimise disruption to Council operations.

This policy provides a framework to ensure that Council optimises its return on investment of surplus funds, while minimising the exposure to risk of public revenue.

This Policy outlines the principles to be applied to leasing and licencing.

This policy outlines the procedures for staff dealing with media and the expected behaviours when using social media.

This policy is designed to guide the placement and construction of private jetties within the Paynesville Canals, allowing for equitable and safe private jetty construction within Paynesville Canals, while ensuring the waterway access through the canals is always navigable.

This policy aims to ensure that Council meets its responsibility under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, to efficiently administer and enforce the East Gippsland Planning Scheme.

This Planning Delegations Policy underpins the planning permit application process and Instruments of Delegation adopted by Council from time to time. The policy is to be referred to when exercising the power conferred by the Instrument of Delegation. Designated delegates will perform the powers, discretions, functions or authorities in line with the policy and guidelines.

Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy.

The purpose of this policy is to outline the East Gippsland Shire Council’s (Council) commitment to protecting an individual’s right to privacy and maintaining a culture that respects that right.

Compliance with this policy will ensure that private planning scheme amendments do not create a financial burden on the shire's residents and ratepayers.

The East Gippsland Shire Council Procurement Policy, required under sections 108 and 109 of the Local Government Act 2020, has been revised and approved following extensive consultation with Councillors, local contractors, and internal audit, and aligns with the MAV Best Practice Procurement Policy Template and 2024 Guidelines. The updated Policy reflects Council’s governance structure, strategic priorities, and internal audit recommendations, adopting a streamlined, contemporary, and audit-ready approach that separates core policy principles from operational procedures. Key elements such as procurement thresholds, financial delegations, exemption criteria, and KPIs have been configured to support consistency, probity, transparency, and value-for-money outcomes, while guidance on panel contracts, collaborative arrangements, and clear terminology improves usability across the organisation. The Policy is designed to be practical, sector-aligned, and adaptable, with operational procedures providing ‘how-to’ guidance to ensure ethical, compliant, and efficient procurement practices.

Council is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the workings of Council and compliance with the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012. This Policy and Procedure facilitate the making of disclosures regarding improper conduct by public officers and public bodies and supports the making of disclosures that reveal corrupt conduct, conduct involving a substantial mismanagement of public resources, or conduct involving a substantial risk to public health and safety or the environment.

The primary purpose for installing closed circuit cameras is to discourage and detect unlawful behaviour in and around council property and in public places, resulting in enhanced safety and security for citizens and assets within East Gippsland Shire. This policy and supporting Code of Practice will ensure that council's CCTV program operates fairly, within applicable legislation, only for the purposes for which it is established and with regard to the privacy and human rights of the public and council staff.

Section 57 of the Local Government Act 2020 requires the Council to adopt and maintain a Public Transparency Policy. The governance principles in the Local Government Act 2020 require Council decisions, actions and information to be open and accountability to the community. The Public Transparency Policy describes the type of Council information that is publicly available and how the community can access the information.

This policy establishes the foundation for a consistent, proactive and measurable approach to effective risk management across Council's assets, operations and strategies. Implementation of this policy will encourage the identification and treatment of potential risks and facilitate the safe and effective delivery of council objectives.

This policy aims to ensure that the sale of Council owned land is subject to a fair and transparent process in accordance with this policy and relevant legislation.

Outlines a commitment to ongoing service reviews to ensure that each service is aligned to Council's Community Vision, Council Plan, the Local Government Act 2020, other legislative requirements and relevant strategic documents.

Council is committed to the improvement of infrastructure and services to the community, and this policy is designed to assist council and members of the community in providing 'special benefit' infrastructure such as roads, kerb and channel, drainage, footpaths, bridges and relocation of services.

East Gippsland Shire Council aims to ensure that waste services are delivered in a fair, equitable and effective manner. This policy and procedure set out objectives and actions to ensure that council's legal and strategic requirements are maintained.