In each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Councillor Max Amber, President of the Local Government Association of South Australia.
Collaboration by SA Councils has reached new levels, with the joint tendering of about $15 million worth of electricity requirements in a bulk process. Substantial savings have justified the work involved and while the Association has played a key role, I must acknowledge the support of the SA Government. The decision will ensure that increases in electricity prices in SA do not bite ratepayers twice – once through their own bill and again through their rates.
In recent months we have also established a common contract for after hours call services and have signed up 37 Councils to use the common web site engine developed via the Networking the Nation Local Government Fund. Seven Councils now have live web sites via the engine, and strategic advantages will be the establishment of common web site standards and inter- operability arrangements with other governments. These initiatives build on our long standing finance, insurance and superannuation arrangements and the more recent electronic purchasing initiative.
In this environment, it was good to welcome a new Local Government Minister, Rory McEwen, who understands from personal experience the capacity of Local Government to work together. Minister McEwen served on the LGA Executive Committee prior to entering State Parliament – the first SA Minister we are aware of to have done so. Former Local Government Minister Jay Weatherill has continued to support our electricity contracting as part of his Administrative Services portfolio. As well as some new responsibilities, he also retains the important Urban Planning portfolio.
A prime area of activity currently is our major campaign to address the scandalous share of identified local road funds allocated to South Australia. With 11 per cent of the nation’s local roads and almost eight per cent of the population, no Minister has been able to explain why the Federal legislation allocates only 5.5 per cent of the funds to SA. I want to take this opportunity to assure Councils in other States that we are advocating an increase to the total pool to allow a fair division of funds without disadvantaging any other State or Territory.
Our major concern is the scandalous size of the total funds in comparison to local road needs and the Commonwealth’s petrol tax take. I would hope all Councils would support a fair allocation of the funds – which will strengthen our common case for a bigger ‘pie’.
Our 751 elected positions in SA will all be declared vacant in May for our triennial elections. With current worldwide tensions, we must value the precious nature of local democracy. It is a regular reminder from those we serve.
