Municipal Services

Our Council Services Directorate comprises several sections, each contributing to the Council’s mission of delivering valued and relevant services. From Administration to Civil Works, Essential Services to Airstrip Maintenance, our teams work collaboratively to keep our communities healthy, clean, and safe. We are particularly proud to note that nearly 95% of our staff are Indigenous, reflecting our deep commitment to local engagement and empowerment.


ANIMAL MANAGEMENT 

Our Animal Management Guidelines focus on improving the health and control of companion animals while respecting cultural sensitivities. We aim to reduce animal numbers sustainably through regular veterinarian visits, medical sterilisation, and educational programs without resorting to mass culling. These guidelines provide a four (4) level implementation plan for Animal Management in communities to reach a service level standard within the various timeframes, taking into account the Regional Council’s Goal of Healthy Communities and in accordance with relevant legislation.

CEMETERY MANAGEMENT 

With responsibility for 12 cemeteries, our Council adheres to Cemetery Guidelines to uphold respectful standards in burial grounds. These guidelines prioritise actions to ensure dignified cemetery maintenance by relevant legislation. This outlines the service level standards we aim to achieve within the various timeframes, considering the Council’s Goal of Developing Communities

INTERNAL ROADS MAINTENANCE AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT 

The MacDonnell Regional Council has developed Internal Roads Management Guidelines to improve the safety of internal roads and road signage in its communities. The success of any Internal Roads Management plan is based on five (5) factors – Repair damage to existing roads; Complete an audit of existing traffic management road furniture (signs, speed bumps, etc.); Develop a traffic management asset plan for each community in consultation with their Local Authority; Implement that traffic management asset plan and install the approved road furniture; and, Maintain repairs to roads, road verges, storm/ flood damaged areas and replace any damaged road furniture. Principally, Internal Roads Management refers to improving the overall safety of roads within our communities.

PARKS AND OPEN SPACES 

The MacDonnell Regional Council Parks and Open Spaces Guidelines outline a phased plan to enhance recreational areas across our communities. By adhering to these standards, we create vibrant and healthy outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy, taking into account the Council’s Goals of Developing Communities and Healthy Communities and in accordance with the NT Local Government Act and Australian Standards.

SPORTS GROUNDS 

The MacDonnell Regional Council has developed Sports Grounds Guidelines. Through These Guidelines, we aim to provide safe and accessible sports facilities for community use. By implementing these standards, we promote physical activity and community engagement. This outlines the service level standards that we will aim to achieve within the various timeframes, taking into account the Council’s Goal of Healthy Communities and also in accordance with the NT Local Government Act.

WASTE MANAGEMENT 

The MacDonnell Regional Council has developed its Remote Waste Management Facility Operating Manual and has continued to refine it. Aligned with the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act, our Waste Management Guidelines focus on environmental sustainability and public health. We mitigate environmental risks through strategic waste management plans and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. These guidelines now form the basis for developing an ongoing waste management plan that provides baseline standards we aim to achieve. Five top-priority actions have been identified for all communities in the MacDonnell Region. These actions are primarily based on the outcomes of Public Health and Environmental Risk Assessments and are to be achieved in every community. Refer to the Waste Management Guidelines for more information and the Work Method Statements for detailed instructions. Our waste management practices prioritise environmental sustainability and resource efficiency in line with the UNSDGs. Through initiatives such as waste reduction, recycling programs, and community education, we strive to minimise our environmental footprint and promote responsible consumption and production.

WEED CONTROL AND FIRE HAZARD REDUCTION 

The MacDonnell Regional Council has developed Weed Control & Fire Hazard Reduction Guidelines to improve the safety of its communities. At the same time, a Council goal is Healthy Communities – where we work to improve environmental health outcomes. The success of any Weed Control & Fire Hazard Reduction plan is based on six (6) factors – Slashing, mowing, chemical spraying, clearing, manual control and pruning (tree lopping). This set of guidelines can also be applied to any other contracts the Council provides for other agencies (i.e. PowerWater, at its Powerhouse & Sewerage ponds and the NT Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics for its airstrips). These guidelines provide an implementation plan for Weed Control and fire Hazard Reduction in communities to reach a service level standard within the various timeframes, taking into account the Regional Council’s Goal of Healthy Communities and in accordance with relevant legislation, including the Weeds Management Act. 

STREET LIGHTING 

The MacDonnell Regional Council street lighting standards ensure consistent illumination across our regions, enhancing safety and security for residents. By maintaining operational street lights and adhering to budgetary constraints, we prioritise community well-being and maintain street lights in the region based on the following five standards: 

  1. Total number of MRC street lights 
  2. Audit of all street lights within the first week of each month 
  3. Restore community street light levels that drop below 70% within 30 days 
  4. Average year to date level of operational street lights in each community at 75%+ 
  5. Deliver services on budget

ADMINISTRATION 

Service Level Guidelines 

To maintain high service delivery standards, we have established precise service levels linked to multi-year implementation plans and our Strategic Plan. These guidelines are accompanied by robust staff management and training strategies, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with community needs. The standards and service level guidelines are briefly summarised over the following pages: 

SERVICE LEVEL GUIDELINES AND SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES 

At MacDonnell Regional Council, we are deeply committed to meeting our communities’ immediate needs and contributing to global sustainability goals. As part of this commitment, we have aligned our service level guidelines and waste management practices with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). 

INTEGRATION OF UNSDGS Our service level guidelines are not just about enhancing service delivery, but also about contributing to broader sustainability objectives outlined in the UNSDGs. This integration of global goals into our strategic planning ensures that our actions are in line with the wider vision for a more sustainable and equitable world.