Brought in at last week's council meeting, the policy will be a separate process from that designed for more common complaints, such as noise problems, barking dogs and fallen trees.

The new complaints management policy will mean that complaints about serious matters such as corruption, criminal activity and serious or substantial waste will go through a three-resolution process.

The complaint would at first be made to the appropriate council staff member, and if the resident were unhappy with the outcome, it would then be sent to the general manager or a managing director.

If the outcome were still insufficient, the complaint would be passed on to the mayor and possibly also an external agency, such as the NSW ombudsman.

Camden deputy mayor Greg Warren said the new policy would ensure greater accountability for council staff and councillors alike.

``The policy aims to recognise and protect the community and their right to complain about council services,'' Cr Warren said.

He said the new policy had been based on research into the council's complaints policies commissioned by the State Government.

``The research found there was a need for a high level of complaint resolution,'' he said

He said councillors had their hearts in the right place when it came to wanting the best for the residents.

``This just provides extra accountability,'' he said.