Councils are responsible for managing their local area, planning for the future and creating a safe and healthy environment. The Flinders Ranges Council does this by providing a range of services, facilities and programs which protect the well-being of people within their community, whilst
ensuring equitable access by all residents and ratepayers.

The provision of services is one of the many ways that The Flinders Ranges Council responds to the needs of the community, with services provided being consistent with the The Flinders Ranges Council vision as set out in the The Flinders Ranges Council Strategic Management Plan 2012-22

What services do council provide?

The Local Government Act 1999 provides autonomy to councils to determine policies with their communities about the nature and level of services provided. The range of services is in response to the needs and priorities determined by local communities. Councils consult widely with the community
and prepare strategic management plans in response, which guide their annual programs.

Every time you leave your home, you are using services provided by your council. Some of the main services include local roads and drainage, waste and recycling management, library and information services, as well as recreation, sporting and cultural activities.

Councils must ensure that services are delivered in the most efficient and effective manner. Some of the services are statutory which means they are required by a law, and others are discretionary which means councils choose to provide them.

Some of the statutory services which council is required to provide by legislation include:

• Land use planning, development and building control and assessment.
• Environmental health (food and public health inspection).
• Fire prevention (some building inspection and some bushfire prevention planning functions are a duty, others are discretionary).
• Dog and cat management and control.
• Domestic waste collection.
• Some administrative requirements, such as preparing strategic plans for the area, maintaining an office, employing a Chief Executive Officer and supporting the elected council.

Other discretionary services that councils may provide, include: