Council Committees

Find out about the Shire’s five advisory committees, including their roles, objectives, instrument of appointment and delegation, meeting dates, agendas and minutes.

Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

The role of the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee is to monitor the Shire’s risk management framework, compliance processes, audit performance, and audit program.

Committee objectives

The objectives of the Committee are to:

• Assist the CEO in carrying out the review under Regulation 17 of the Audit Regulations of systems and procedures concerning risk management, internal control and legislative compliance
• Monitor and advise the CEO in reviews of certain systems prescribed by the audit and financial management regulations
• Support the auditor as required and have functions to oversee:
  • The implementation of audit recommendations made by the auditor, which have been accepted by the Council; and
  • Accepted recommendations arising from reviews of local government systems and procedures
• Receive and verify the annual Local Government Statutory Compliance Return
• Advise Council on significant high-level strategic risk management issues related to the Shire of Augusta Margaret River
• Discharge the functions outlined in Regulation 16 of the Local Government (Audit) Regulations 1996.

Terms of reference

Find out about the Committee, including membership, meeting conduct, and delegating and reporting powers, in the document below.

Meeting dates, agendas and minutes

The Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee meets on the last Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held at the Margaret River Council Chambers.

2025 meeting dates:

• 26 February 2025 at 4.30pm
• 28 May 2025 at 4.30pm
• 27 August 2025 at 1.30pm
• 26 November 2025 at 4.30pm

View Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee agendas and minutes.

Local Emergency Management Committee

The role of the Local Emergency Management Committee is to collaborate with local support organisations, hazard management agencies, and industry representatives to collectively build a resilient community that is prepared to respond and recover from an emergency.

Committee objectives

The objectives of the Committee are: 

• To advise and assist the Shire in ensuring that Local Emergency Management Arrangements are established and maintained for its district.
• To liaise with public authorities and other persons in the development, review and testing of the Local Emergency Management Arrangements.
• To carry out such other emergency management functions as directed by the SEMC, or as prescribed by the Emergency Management Regulations 2006.

Terms of reference

Find out about the Committee, including membership, meeting conduct, and delegating and reporting powers, in the document below.

Meeting dates, agendas and minutes

The Local Emergency Management Committee meets on the second Tuesday of every quarter. Meetings are held in Council Chambers, 41 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River, unless stated otherwise.

2025 meeting dates:

• 11 February 2025 - 10.00am (Augusta Council Chambers - 66 Allnutt Terrace, Augusta)
• 13 May 2025 - 10.00am
• 12 August 2025 - 10.00am
• 11 November 2025 - 10.00am

View Local Emergency Management Committee agendas and minutes.

Bush Fire Advisory Committee

The role of the Bush Fire Advisory Committee is to formulate for Council’s consideration, recommendations and policy on matters relating to bush fire preparedness, prevention, response and recovery.

Committee objectives

The objectives of the Committee are to: 

• To advise Council on all matters relating to the operations of the Bush Fires Act 1954
• To advise Council on the best and most efficient means of maximising fire control resources in the district.

Terms of reference

Find out about the Committee, including membership, meeting conduct, and delegating and reporting powers, in the document below.

Meeting dates, agendas and minutes

The Bush Fire Advisory Committee meets on the third Wednesday of every quarter. Meetings are held in Council Chambers, 41 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River, unless stated otherwise. 

2025 meeting dates:

• 19 February 2025 - 6.00pm (Augusta Council Chambers - 66 Allnutt Terrace, Augusta)
• 21 May 2025 - 6.00pm
• 20 August 2025 - 6.00pm
• 19 November 2025 - 6.00pm

View Bush Fire Advisory Management Committee agendas and minutes.

Behaviour Complaints Committee

The role of the Behaviour Complaints Committee is to deal with behaviour complaints made under Division 3 of the Shire of Augusta Margaret River Code of Conduct for Council Members, Committee Members and Candidates (Code of Conduct).

Committee objectives

The objectives of the Committee and extent of authority provided to the Committee are specified in the relevant Delegated Authority, and include:

• Dismissing a behaviour complaint in accordance with clause 13 of the Code of Conduct and providing reasons for any such dismissal
• Making a Finding as to whether an alleged complaint has or has not occurred, based upon evidence from which it may be concluded that it is more likely that the breach occurred than it did not occur [clause 12(3) of the Code of Conduct]
• Determining reasons for such a Finding 
• Where a Finding is made that a breach has occurred, determining:
  • To take no further action; or 
  • Prepare and implement a plan to address the behaviour of the person to whom the complaint relates.
• The extent of the authority of the Behaviour Complaints Committee is limited by Condition of the Delegated Authority.

Terms of Reference

Find out about the Committee, including membership, meeting conduct, and delegating and reporting powers, in the document below.

Meeting dates, agendas and minutes

Meetings are scheduled as required by the CEO or Behaviour Complaints Officer in consultation with the Committee Presiding Member. 

View Behaviour Complaints Management Committee agendas and minutes.

Advocacy Committee

The role of the committee is to determine advocacy priorities.

Key priorities for state action ahead of the upcoming election are outlined in document, Shire of Augusta Margaret River 2025 Election Priorities.

Committee objectives

The objectives of the committee are to:

• Assist Council and CEO to plan and deliver advocacy initiatives in deciding how the Shire resources it’s advocacy efforts.
• Act as a link between Council and Shire Officers to ensure the shire’s advocacy priorities are supported at both a strategic and operational level.
• Determine advocacy priorities.
• Advice Council on advocacy initiatives, roles and responsibilities.

Terms of reference

Find out about the Committee, including membership, meeting conduct, and delegating and reporting powers, in the document below.

Meeting dates, agendas and minutes

Where possible, the Advocacy Committee will meet on the second Wednesday of the month in February, June and October.  Additional meetings shall be convened at the discretion of the Presiding Member or any three members of the Committee collectively. Meetings are held in Council Chambers, 41 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River, unless stated otherwise. 

2026 meeting dates:

• 11 February 2026 - 1.00pm 
• 10 June 2026 - 1.00pm
• 14 October 2026 - 1.00pm

View Advocacy Committee agendas and minutes.

Grant Committee

The role of the Grant Committee is to consider and approve grant applications of $10,001 and above for initiatives, programs, and events that align with the Shires Strategic Community Plan and support a vibrant social, environmental, culture and economic community. 

Committee objectives

The objectives of the committee are to:

• Ensure that grants of $10,001 and above are awarded in line with the Shires Strategic Community Plan (SCP) and deliver on initiatives that support a vibrant, social, environmental, culture and economic community. .
• Act as a link between Council and Shire Officers to ensure the Shire’s SCP priorities and community results are supported at both a strategic and operational level.

Terms of Reference

Find out about the Committee, including membership, meeting conduct, and delegating and reporting powers, in the document below.

Meeting dates, agendas and minutes

Meetings are held in Council Chambers, 41 Wallcliffe Road, Margaret River, unless stated otherwise. 

2025 meeting dates:

• 11 March 2025 - 11.00am
• 8 April 2025 -  1.30pm
• 28 May 2025 - 1.30pm
• 18 June 2025 - 11.00pm

More information and contact

For more information about the Council Committees, please contact the Shire on (08) 9780 5255 or email [email protected]