In each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association president. The following is from Mayor Barry Easther OAM, President of the Local Government Association of Tasmania
There continues to be a push in Tasmania for local government reform, sponsored in the main by the Property Council through a lobby group called ‘Tasmanians for Reform’.
A report commissioned last year by the Property Council came to the outlandish conclusion that an amalgamation of councils would see a significant reduction in rates (30percent). It is not surprising, then, that ‘self interest’ groups are rallying in support of council amalgamations.
While we understand that the suggestion of a massive reduction in rates is a significant taunt, this has not in fact materialised anywhere in the western world where structural reform has occurred.
What is conveniently overlooked in the push for amalgamation is the cost of reform, the need for investment into infrastructure, and the general rise in service delivery demands that eventuates. This is not to say that efficiencies are not possible, but they do tend to be reinvested back into the operations of councils to achieve improved benefits and outcomes for communities.
I believe that those lobby groups that are pushing for reform need to understand that our sector is made up of councils with democratically elected members. The people who elected the councils are not knocking down town hall doors around our state, nor are they converging upon council meetings demanding amalgamation.
Reform is under way, but true reform takes a lot of planning. Currently, southern Tasmanian councils are considering a range of issues that have been presented to them by an expert panel that was commissioned to consider reform, including structural changes. The report has given rise to some queries relating to evidence and data, and councils have sought further clarification.
Councils in northern Tasmania have recently commissioned leading academic, Professor Brian Dollery, to consider a broad range of possible reforms, without ruling out amalgamations.
Councils in the three regions across the state have been engaged for some time in the process of planning reform. The regions are at varying stages with these state sponsored projects, however regional collaboration is bringing about greater consistency and the development of more proactive planning systems and processes. Councils are working across local government boundaries in partnership with the Tasmanian Planning Commission to deliver these outcomes.
Other significant reforms in progress include the possibility of further water and sewerage reform and a review of property rating and valuation.
Local government is a willing participant in the reform process and is capable of leading it. We recognise that it must be well conceived and not solely a response to those who speak the loudest and most often.
Local and State governments are working collaboratively for the benefit of all Tasmanians, not just those with vested interests. It would be far more helpful if those lobby groups calling for amalgamations took time to understand and acknowledge exactly what is going on.
It is necessary for local government to take a proactive lead in the reform process. We need to continually review our practices as it is our responsibility to ensure that whatever service it is that we provide; we do so in the most efficient and cost effective manner.
