The last 12 months for local government have been rife with debate over funding.
The sweeping budget cuts handed down by the federal government that resulted in the freeze on Financial Assistance Grants has dominated conversations in the sector.
While innovative budgeting will keep most councils afloat, it may be too late for some.
The new boundaries have been locked in for Perth’s metropolitan local governments, with the number of councils being reduced from 30 to 16.
A Supreme Court bid opposing the mergers has fallen through.
New South Wales Councils are in the process of proving their viability to the state government, and Tasmania is continuing to discuss the possibility of voluntary amalgamations.
It already feels like the agenda has been set for the next 12 months, and the continued sustainability or amalgamation of many local governments will be the main talking point.
LG Focus will be running a series of regular columns from newly elected President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) Mayor Troy Pickard.
In it, he will be discussing how local government fits into the Australian Government’s White Papers on the reform of the federation and taxation, with the ALGA’s responses.
Contributions to the dialogue from local governments, as well from national and state representative bodies, are an excellent way to make sure individual voices are heard.
While forced amalgamations may be necessary in some cases, it is deeply frustrating for many communities who feel like they have no control over their own destinies.
Councils should take the opportunity to submit their own individual responses to the White Papers to have a greater say in their own future.
