Local Government Reform

In February 2009, the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. John Castrilli, announced plans for Local Government Reform in WA.

The resulting changes may include:

• amalgamations
• reductions in elected members
• councils grouped by region

• boundary changes.

Benefits of Reform

The State considers Local Governments (LG) in their current form are not sustainable. Out of 142 LGs in WA 85 of these service populations of less than 2000, and more than 50 Councils have one Councillor to less than 100 electors.

The Minister foresees a number of benefits from amalgamations such as:

• Creating greater economies of scale
• Improved capacity to lobby State and Federal Government for funding

• Increased competition for staff.

Reform Process

Based on the results of a checklist submitted in April 2009, the Department of Local Government categorised WA local governments from 1-3. The City of South Perth was allocated to Category 1, which indicates it is a relatively healthy local government in terms of organisational and financial capacity.

Local Governments were asked to explore reform opportunities by meeting with relevant neighbouring municipalities and consulting with the community. Reform strategies were submitted to the Department of Local Government for consideration by 30 September 2009.

The Local Government Advisory Board and the Local Government Reform Steering Committee will consider submissions during the coming months.

Reform submissions will be assessed on:

• long term strategic planning
• infrastructure planning
• financial viability
• governance
• community representation
• service delivery
• management of natural resources.

Local Government Reform Submission