WA Local Government Association President Cr Bill Mitchell said it was important for the community that the reform of Local Government was a success but it would require collaboration with and support from the State Government to achieve effective reform.

“It is clear the Minister and his Department want to be seen to be leading the Local Government reform process and the Association welcomes their enthusiasm but should not be excluded from the process,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Research from across Australia confirms that only a collaborative approach of partnering with the Local Government sector and its representative bodies will deliver meaningful outcomes.”

Cr Mitchell highlighted that the change process to make the Local Government sector sustainable had commenced with the release of the Association’s Systemic Sustainability Study final report last September and the Minister’s six-month deadline had hastened the process.

“There is a genuine appetite in Local Government to undertake reform that will deliver better services to the community without taking away local involvement in decision making,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Local Government in WA realised the need for reform four years ago when it requested WALGA commence the Systemic Sustainability Study.

“Comprehensive research, analysis and consultation through the SSS process have resulted in a plan with three-year horizons that emphasise regional cooperation for the delivery of services without taking away each community’s right in having a say. 

“Local Government in WA supports reform of the sector but it is imperative that any reform process is supported by sound research and is undertaken using a voluntary and cooperative approach rather than coercion if any changes are to be truly sustainable.”

At a meeting of its State Council, WALGA yesterday endorsed guiding principles for carrying out reform of the sector, including regional cooperation with local political representation; a focus on delivering improved services for the community and ensuring an appropriate number of Elected Members who are better trained and remunerated. It strongly endorsed support for voluntary structural reform but opposed any forced amalgamation process.

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