President’s comment
When it comes to the local government sector in South Australia – and I suspect around the country – it seems the goal posts are constantly shifting.
On one hand, councils are being asked to do more. A Bill passed by our State Parliament last month transferred responsibility for a range of local nuisance and illegal dumping issues that were previously overseen by the Environmental Protection Authority onto councils.
We are increasingly being asked to collect a variety of taxes on behalf of the State Government, including around areas such as waste and natural resources management.
Councils also played a key role in our State’s recent Business Mission to Shandong in China, opening doors for participating businesses to connect with trade opportunities on a large scale.
At the same time, the State Government’s recent Planning Reform Bill has limited local decision-making by reducing elected members on Development Assessment Panels to a single representative.
Our sector is also facing a Parliamentary enquiry into rate capping, as well as a private member’s Bill introduced by the Opposition, which seeks to limit our ability to raise revenue in consultation with our communities.
The issue of forced amalgamations is another that has received some airplay over the past few months.
The LGA’s position is clear – local government in South Australia needs to be treated as a legitimate sector of government, and must be in control of its own destiny.
We are the government that is closest to our communities, and firmly believe we’re the most efficient level of government. Councils are committed to partnering with state and federal governments in driving economic development, and identifying and implementing real solutions.
However, it is vital local government has the freedom and autonomy to do this. We need to be able to work with our communities to identify their needs and aspirations, and deliver cost effect services, programs and infrastructure that will address them.
Our LGA Board and secretariat will continue to promote the fantastic work councils do in South Australia, and also advocate for their need to remain independent and empowered to serve their communities.
