How does Council work?

Maitland City Council, like all other councils in NSW, is made up of two parts, the elected representatives (councillors) and administration (council management and staff).

As an organisation, Council provides a range of services to the community that broadly fall into 12 categories. These include but aren't limited to planning, development and construction, waste services, community services, roads and transport, environmental management and economic development.

The planning role of Council is driven by the four year Delivery Program, which establishes a series of objectives for the organisation. It is designed as the single point of reference for all principal activities undertaken by Council.

Mayor and Councillors

Maitland City Council has a popularly elected Mayor and 12 Councillors who represent the community across four wards, North, East, West and Central.

The Mayor typically takes the chair at all Council Meetings at which they are present. If absent, the responsibility falls to the Deputy Mayor.

In addition to the above, the Mayor:

• provides guidance to councillors about what is expected of them
• acts as a key Council spokesperson
• supports good working relations between councillors
• represents Council in civic and ceremonial duties.

The role of councillors is set out in the NSW Local Government Act which provides clarity and guidance to councils, councillors and citizens about what is expected of councillors.

There are several key elements to the role of a councillor i.e. participating in high level decision making, setting the strategic direction of the council and representing the local community.