Local Government Structural Reform

On 5 February 2009 the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. John Castrilli MLA, announced strategies for local government structural reform.

With the aim of achieving greater capacity for local governments to better plan, manage and deliver services to their communities with a focus on social, environmental and economic sustainability, a Local Government Steering Committee was established and councils have been invited to take part in the reform process.

Key features of the structural reform include:

• the voluntary reduction in the number of councils within Western Australia (it was noted that there were 139 councils in WA with 85 of those serving populations of less than 2,000 people)
• reduction in the number of elected members (to between 6 and 9)
• voluntary amalgamations and
• regional groupings (sharing resources to deliver services).

The Town submitted the requested Local Government Reform Checklist to the Minister for Local Government in late April 2009.

As part of the local government structural reform process, the Town conducted a survey to find out the views of the Vincent community.

A copy of the brochure distributed to properties within Vincent can be found here. (Please note: consultation closed on 14 August 2009 - brochure remains on the site as a reference only.)

We thank all those who took the time to provide the Town with their comments. The responses will assist the Council in its deliberations regarding the submission the Town will make to the Minister at the end of August 2009.

Visit www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au to find out more information on local government reform.