The Council is the governing body of a local government and consists of elected members. The role of the Council is defined as follows:

• To direct and control the local government's affairs
• To be responsible for the performance of the local government's functions
• To oversee the allocation of the finances and determine the Policies.

The Council consists of eleven Councillors including the President who represent the whole Shire. There are no wards in the Shire as Council resolved to dispense with wards prior to the 2001 elections.

Councillors are elected for a four year term, are eligible for re-election and there is no restriction on the number of terms a Councillor may serve. The President and Deputy President are elected every two years after the Council elections in May.

Council meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 4.30pm in the Council Chambers, Forrest Road Capel. Members of the community are able to ask questions at the commencement and conclusion of the meeting.

ANNUAL MEETING OF ELECTORS

Held in October/November of each year at a Community Centre located within the Shire.

COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Council elections are held in October every two years (next due 2009). Notice of the opening of nominations will appear in the local press.

Electors are reminded that local government is the only level of government in which they can effectively take part on a regular basis and are encouraged to ensure that they cast a vote at Shire elections when they are held.

ELECTORAL ROLL

You are eligible to be enrolled to vote at elections for a district or ward (the electorate) if:

You are enrolled as an elector for the Legislative Assembly in respect of a residence in the electorate; or
You are 18 years of age or over, the non-resident owner or occupier of rateable property within the electorate and have made a non-resident owner or occupier enrolment eligibility claim which has been accepted and still has effect. Please contact the Senior Administration Officer Anita Scott for more information on this matter.