SLSC and Council Relationships

Building relationships and networking with council staff and councillors are essential to making the council fully aware of the advantages to the community of having strong healthy SLSCs. SLSCs need to be in touch with councillors and staff regularly, outlining the work they are doing and the benefits that the community receives from their actions.

For example, the CMT may:

• Attend public local government council meetings and let them know in advance if you would like to speak at the start of the meeting
• Constructively approach councillors with win-win solutions to problems that the council is having and help them with these issues that also affect the SLSC
• Establish a positive public relations program by appointing a member to carry out defined tasks, such as liaison with the council
• Invite councillors to SLSC functions and activities asking them to present trophies and show appreciation for services the members provide
• Showcase SLSC achievements to members, the community, sponsors and government bodies within the SLSC’s annual report.

In most cases, SLSCs have a lease agreement with the Council for the Surf Life Saving Club House occupation and associated facilities. It is essential the CMT is familiar with the scope and nature of the lease agreement and actively seek to renew agreements well in advance of expiry. SLSNSW can assist SLSNSW branches and SLSCs with a sample lease agreement template and assistance with negotiations.

!The SLSC should also have good relationships with the neighbours, premises and businesses close to the beach that may submit complaints to the local council and damage the SLSC’s good reputation.

In matters relating to buildings and other areas that may affect other SLSCs, the council should be approached on a united front by a senior body of SLSCs (if elected by the SLSNSW branch) or the SLSNSW branch committee. A united front will give the SLSCs a much stronger position, and the council will not be able to downgrade the benefits that the SLSC receives from the council.

All local councils in NSW are independent corporate bodies. The Minister for Local Government and the Department of Local Government do not have the authority to direct local councils in their day-to-day decision-making or review the planning, resources allocation or enforce decisions made by them. As locally elected, autonomous bodies, council staff are given every opportunity to resolve concerns directly with the parties involved.

For example:

• If you are not satisfied with the response from council staff, you should contact your local councillor/s.
• If you are still not satisfied, you should contact your state member of parliament.

*Refer to the NSW Office of Local Government (OLG) website for more information about councils and how to resolve any problems with your local council.