Wide ranging structural changes to Western Australia’s metropolitan Local Government are closely aligned to the model preferred by the majority of the sector.
WA Local Government Association (WALGA) President Troy Pickard said the plan for 14 metropolitan councils was ‘close’ to the sector-endorsed model of between 15 and 20 metropolitan councils.
Local Government Minister Tony Simpson announced in July that the number of metropolitan councils would be reduced from 30 to 14 within two years through a series of amalgamations, with three councils unchanged.
$200,000 will be provided to prepare each plan, with the Minister telling a forum of Mayors, Presidents and CEOs that the State Government would fund transition costs in establishing the new councils.
Councillor Pickard said it was imperative now that the State Government was unequivocal in providing the necessary financial support for councils to realise
these objectives.
“Based on what other amalgamations have cost in WA and interstate we would expect somewhere between $40 million to $50 million would be required to create the 11 new entities as proposed.”
He said WALGA would support local governments who want to make the transition to enable the proposed new entities.
“The Local Government sector has generally acknowledged there is a need for reform and what the State Government has proposed is very close to the model endorsed by the sector.
“However…while some councils will embrace the changes there will be others that will have their reasons to resist.
“At this point I think it is important that councils be measured and considered in their response to the announcement and step back and decide if what is proposed can work for their communities.
“The Minister has said that he is open to some minor amendments so there remains the opportunity for those that disagree with today’s proposal to provide enhancements that will deliver a better outcome for the community.”
In addition to the announcement on the proposed new structure, the Minister also announced the State Government’s response to the 29 other recommendations of the Robson Review of metropolitan Councils.
Significantly the State Government rejected the recommendations of: compulsory voting in Local Government elections; party politics to have a demonstrative role in councils; limitations on terms for elected members; and compulsory training for elected members.
Cr Pickard said the announcement set out a clear position by the State Government on a number of critical issues.
“It is this clarity that will be most welcome by the sector though understandably the prospect of change will cause concern among councils and staff anxious about how they will be affected.
“For the community the proposed changes represent an opportunity for councils to achieve greater economies of scope and be better positioned to provide the greater range of services that are demanded by the public.”
