Local Government Committees

Most local councils will have a range of committees, made up of small groups of councillors, who look at all aspects of a small number of issues. These committees mean that council keeps an eye on what’s being done and decided, without every councillor needing to know every last detail of every activity.

The focus of various committees, and their names, will vary from council to council, but could include committees that look at:

• the environment;
• local laws;
• council finances and budgets;
• planning and development;
• recreation; or
• community.

Doing your research

It is well worth having a look at your council’s list of committees, and their terms of reference (if they’re easily available – many are published on council websites). If the minutes of committee’s meetings are published, you might be able to:

• See what projects or policies the committee is currently focusing on.
• Work out whether you think the committee might be interested in what you’re dong, or even willing to support you.
• Link your work with the work of the committee – so that you can let the councillors know how you can help them help their communities.

Again, the broader your support base, or the more community benefit you believe you can deliver, the more likely you are to get support.

Getting in touch

You should only contact one councillor on the committee at a time – such as the Chairperson, or your local councillor - by phone, email or letter.

As well as providing some information about your group, you can ask them how their committee works and whether it might be interested in receiving a written submission or proposal from you, or if it could invite you to come and present to a committee meeting.

If you don’t get a response from the first committee member you contact, try a different member.