In 2012, LG Professionals, NSW – in collaboration with PwC Australia – began preparing councils for prospective mergers by developing a benchmarking program and set of analysis tools for merging and non-merging councils to measure their performance.
72 percent of participating merging councils in NSW are utilising the benchmarking survey program.
The Snowy Monaro Regional Council was created following the merger of Snowy River Shire Council, Cooma-Monara Shire Council and Bombala Council.
Interim General Manager, Joe Vescio, said the survey data would provide a rigorous baseline for comparison of the merged council against the performance of the three pre-merger councils.
“We’re using the data to inform the community on our performance and guide our future planning and strategic direction for the merged entity.
“We can build on those areas where we are performing above average and review those areas where we are performing below average.
“The comparative data will guide us to look at which of the three councils performed better in various areas to see if those processes and systems form the basis for the new ones.”
Mr. Vescio said the data will also provide a direct opportunity to track industry change and improvement overall.
Wollongong City Council is slated for merger with Shellharbour City Council.
“Increasingly, Council, including our elected representatives, seeks to understand how we perform relative to the local government sector in NSW,” said Clare Phelan, Executive Strategy Manager, Wollongong City Council.
“A key benefit of the survey is the provision of a broad suite of benchmarking indicators and data, measuring value for money, efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
“Prior to commencing the survey, there were a few items which we simply didn’t track, so participating over the last three years has helped identify and close those gaps.
“We are using the data to identify opportunities for business process improvement, and to inform strategic work such as development of our annual plan and workforce planning and people strategies.”
Chief Executive Officer of LG Professionals, NSW, Annalisa Haskell, said the commitment shown by the majority of councils to continue to self-measure and improve during this challenging reform period is indicative of their strong leadership and foresight.
“Leaders who understand the power of hard data will be best positioned to create robust organisations for the future which serve their local communities efficiently and cost-effectively,” said Ms Haskell.
“All councils who have participated and who are merging – or face possible mergers – need to stay in this program.”
