Local Government Act 2009 (Qld)

Local Government Act 2009

An Act to provide a system of local government in Queensland, and for related purposes

Chapter 1 Preliminary

1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Local Government Act 2009.

2 Commencement (1) Amendments 20 and 21 of the Local Government Act 1993 in schedule 1 commence on assent. (2) The following provisions commence immediately before the repeal of the Local Government Act 1993 under section 289— (a) section 284; (b) the remaining amendments of the Local Government Act 1993 in schedule 1; (c) schedule 2. (3) Chapter 9, part 1 commences on 1 July 2009. (4) The remaining provisions of the Act commence on a day to be fixed by proclamation.

3 Purpose of this Act The purpose of this Act is to provide for— (a) the way in which a local government is constituted and the nature and extent of its responsibilities and powers; and (b) a system of local government in Queensland that is accountable, effective, efficient and sustainable. Note— The system of local government consists of a number of local governments. See the Constitution of Queensland 2001, section 70 (System of local government).

4 Local government principles underpin this Act (1) To ensure the system of local government is accountable, effective, efficient and sustainable, Parliament requires— (a) anyone who is performing a responsibility under this Act to do so in accordance with the local government principles; and (b) any action that is taken under this Act to be taken in a way that— (i) is consistent with the local government principles; and (ii) provides results that are consistent with the local government principles, in as far as the results are within the control of the person who is taking the action. (2) The local government principles are— (a) transparent and effective processes, and decision-making in the public interest; and (b) sustainable development and management of assets and infrastructure, and delivery of effective services; and (c) democratic representation, social inclusion and meaningful community engagement; and (d) good governance of, and by, local government; and (e) ethical and legal behaviour of councillors, local government employees and councillor advisors.