by Jackie Gill
The theme ‘Conquering Space’, became a plea for partnerships between Local Government authorities, and across the three spheres of government, when Western Australia’s State Premier, Geoff Gallop, officially opened this year’s Western Australian Local Government Week Convention.
Addressing the delegates gathered at the Burswood Hotel in Perth, he referred particularly to closing the gap between Local and State Governments saying that the space between the two posed a challenge to all.
“If we are to deliver for the people who elected us then all of us need to embrace change if we’re to move forward,” he said. “We need to conquer the space between Local Government and State Government to benefit the people who we are elected to represent as we’ve been given the trust to create a better society. There are many important service areas where Local and State Governments share the common goal of improving their communities and seeking to make Western Australia an even better place in which to live, work and recreate.”
In stressing the need for structural change, Dr Gallop announced the creation of a Working Group on State and Local Government Relations. The group will have representation from the WA Municipal Association, the newly formed Department of Local Government and Regional Development, the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Treasury and Finance and Local Government managers.
He said the working party would review issues which have caused concern to Local Governments in the past and identify proactive measures that can be taken to build more positive relationships in the future.
Issues that Dr Gallop said his Government had addressed, included revoking the power of the Minister for Planning in overturning planning decisions, and he pledged greater consultation on State Government issues which affected Local Government. This included the re-routing of the planned multi million dollar southern rail link and the Seniors Rates Rebate Scheme.
Dr Gallop said the Labor Government is committed to the future of rural and regional Western Australia, and has established a $75 million regional investment fund to be spent over the next four years.
“The creation of the new Department of Local Government and Regional Development will usher in a renewed focus for regional Western Australia,” Dr Gallop said. “It will bring closer coordination and a greater capacity for initiatives of common interest.”
