Each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Mayor Brian Hurn OAM, President of the Local Government Association of South Australia
Local Government in this State has experienced some interesting, challenging and exciting times during recent years. Following widespread Council amalgamations, the State’s Local Government Act was comprehensively reviewed for the first time in 65 years. With major input from Local Government, the South Australian Parliament has just passed new Local Government Acts for implementation next January.
I have been privileged to have been involved with Local Government during such times of change and I am honoured to have been vested with the role of leading Local Government as we enter the next Century with an exciting new framework that will enhance and strengthen local democracy.
The plethora of issues addressed by the LGA are constantly changing and expanding. Being from a rural community, I have first hand knowledge of the issues that affect communities in country areas. For example, rural education, banking, telecommunications, health and roads to name a few.
I am equally keen, however, to progress matters that are of interest to those in metropolitan areas. Of importance and broad concern to Local Government in South Australia is the emerging issue of functional reform between State and Local Governments.
The LGA, led by its past Presidents, has made considerable inroads into enhancing State/Local relationships and I am committed to ensuring that our relationship with the State Government continues to be strategic and mutually beneficial.
Such favourable relationships will assist in the future development of complementary strategies and coordinated programs that will result in better and more cost effective service provision for our communities. Within South Australia the cooperation that occurs between Councils continues to be at a high level.
Even though Local Government represents a wide diversity of community interests, expectations and demands, we have achieved much by collectively working well together to find solutions to issues as they arise and I am confident that we will continue to do so in the future.
