Local government adapts to changing times

Strong economic growth is delivering benefits to many Western Australian local governments which are currently facing the challenge of growth at a local level. Local Government Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich today spoke about the issue at the Annual General Meeting of the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) at the 2007 Local Government Convention.

(PressZoom) - Strong economic growth is delivering benefits to many Western Australian local governments which are currently facing the challenge of growth at a local level.

Local Government Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich today spoke about the issue at the Annual General Meeting of the Western Australian Local Government Association ( WALGA ) at the 2007 Local Government Convention.

Ms Ravlich said the growth of the State�s economy had seen strong local governments become more efficient and deliver a higher level of support and community amenities.

The Minister said a host of innovative solutions and partnership arrangements developed by local governments highlighted both their adaptability and readiness to meet those challenges.

Partnerships between the State Government and local governments have led to some major new initiatives that will benefit local communities as well as have a flow-on effect to surrounding areas, she said.

Ms Ravlich said she was pleased to see a range of voluntary resource-sharing initiatives being implemented between individual local governments, such as the town centre revitalisation for the City of Wanneroo and a range of infrastructure improvement projects in Maddington-Kenwick.

The formation of the new City of Geraldton-Greenough and Shire of Northam has ensured that one strong and responsive council is better equipped to serve its community, she said.

The shires of Albany, Cranbrook, Denmark and Plantagenet have formed the Rainbow Coast Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils to resource-share waste management, a regional saleyard and regional abattoirs.

The Minister said she was impressed that WA�s local government sector had shown itself to be capable of adaptability and change in order to create a modern, responsive workforce that was service-oriented.

I am proud of the efforts of many local governments to encourage diversity in their workforces and encourage more women and indigenous people to join the sector, she said.

Ms Ravlich said that major changes introduced to local government elections this year would encourage a wider range of candidates to take part.

Local government elections would now be based on the preferential and proportional voting system consistent with the State and Federal electoral system rather than the first-past-the-post system previously used. Elections would now be held in October, rather than May.

I believe local governments in WA are rising to the challenge of becoming a more efficient and accountable sector that is prepared to face the future with confidence, Ms Ravlich said.

Minister's office - 9213 6800

as posted on PressZoom