Structural Reform of Local Government

of late discussing the recent comments by the Minister for Local Government regarding amalgamation of Councils. These comments and the subsequent release of guidelines have set all local governments across the State into action assessing their alternatives.

The Guidelines recommend a format for developing a Reform Submission which is to include a Council resolution of intent in relation to:

amalgamation proposals
the proposed number of elected members
details on the appropriate regional grouping of local governments
a completed Local Government Reform Checklist and
a timeline for implementation of reform

Currently the Shire of Williams is involved in a Voluntary Regional Organization of Councils called the 4WD Group (Shires of Wagin, West Arthur, Williams, Woodanilling & Dumbleyung) which aims to work together to deliver benefits through collaboration to all the member Councils.

The Shire of Williams have endorsed a motion out of the 4WD Group and are thus taking a stand to retain our own identity as a local government. The motion is as follows:

That, as a group of Councils, the 4WD VROC does not consider amalgamations are in the best interests of our respective communities.
As a group, the 4WD VROC believes it can achieve better savings and efficiencies through the retention of existing councils structure and through the 4WD VROC and,
As a group, the 4WD VROC requests that the Minister amends the Local Government Act 1995 to allow VROC’s to become incorporated bodies.

In looking at structural reform the Council have agreed to seek input from the community on the appropriate number of Councillors for the Shire of Williams. The Minister for Local Government has said that Council numbers should be reduced to between 6 and 9 Councillors per local government. Documentation providing a number of options regarding  Councillor representation will be available for comment by the public in the near future.