Download - PROPOSED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMALGAMATIONS
PROPOSED LOCAL GOVERNMENT
AMALGAMATIONS
COMMUNITY FORUM WEDNESDAY 20th FEBRUARY 2013
Provide an overview of significant changes planned as part of the State Government’s Local Government Reform process;
Seek community feedback on the proposed changes; and
Inform the subsequent submission by the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale required by the 5th April 2013.
Forum Purpose
Forum Agenda
Key Outcomes of the Metropolitan Local Government Review Process
Source: October 2012 PowerPoint Presentation by the Chair of the Metropolitan Local Government Review Panel available from the Department of Local Government website.
Web address is : http://metroreform.dlg.wa.gov.au/FinalReport.aspx
The Panel examined international, national and local research and published more than 40 background, briefing and information papers.
Website critical – about 20,000 visits during the review.
Nearly 450 submissions received - available on the website (if permission was given).
Research and Analysis
Source: PowerPoint Presentation by the Chair of the Metropolitan Local Government Review Panel available from the Department of Local Government website.Web address is : http://metroreform.dlg.wa.gov.au/FinalReport.aspx
Two public forums, one local government forum
Meeting with representatives of: each metropolitan local government (25 of 30
accepted) WALGA, LGMA interest groups e.g. Committee for Perth,
Chamber of Commerce and Industry key State Government agencies.
Feedback incorporated by the Panel in finalising the report and recommendations
Consultation
Source: PowerPoint Presentation by the Chair of the Metropolitan Local Government Review Panel available from the Department of Local Government website.Web address is : http://metroreform.dlg.wa.gov.au/FinalReport.aspx
Duplication and wasted resources Inconsistencies in processes and approaches Fragmented approach to local planning Illogical boundaries Great variation in the size and capacity of
local governments. Disparity in service levels Limited capability to address region-wide
issues.
Current Weaknesses
Source: PowerPoint Presentation by the Chair of the Metropolitan Local Government Review Panel available from the Department of Local Government website.Web address is : http://metroreform.dlg.wa.gov.au/FinalReport.aspx
30 recommendations in total The existing Regional Local Governments in the
metropolitan area be dissolved A new structure of local government in
metropolitan Perth be created through specific legislation which reduces the number of local governments in metropolitan Perth to 12, with boundaries as detailed in Section 5 of the report.
Some Key Recommendations
Source: PowerPoint Presentation by the Chair of the Metropolitan Local Government Review Panel available from the Department of Local Government website.Web address is : http://metroreform.dlg.wa.gov.au/FinalReport.aspx
Two options with 12 local governments proposed Option (A) amalgamating existing entities. Option (B) amalgamating and splitting some LGs to
create more strategically focussed boundaries. This is the preferred option.
Local governments created would have an average population in 2026 of around 190,000.
Recommended Structure
Source: PowerPoint Presentation by the Chair of the Metropolitan Local Government Review Panel available from the Department of Local Government website.Web address is : http://metroreform.dlg.wa.gov.au/FinalReport.aspx
less duplication more logical boundaries increased ability to attract and retain the best
professional staff more financially capable local governments more consistency in services across local government
areas better use of existing infrastructure fewer regulations improved capacity to undertake significant projects more effective advocacy for the community and the
region improved capability to address region-wide issues
Benefits Include
Source: PowerPoint Presentation by the Chair of the Metropolitan Local Government Review Panel available from the Department of Local Government website.Web address is : http://metroreform.dlg.wa.gov.au/FinalReport.aspx
Source: PowerPoint Presentation by the Chair of the Metropolitan Local Government Review Panel available from the Department of Local Government website.Web address is : http://metroreform.dlg.wa.gov.au/FinalReport.aspx
Population Outcomes
Reducing the number of local governments with a Swan or Canning River foreshore from 21 to 7
Reducing the number of ‘‘hills’’ councils from 6 to 2
Reducing the number of coastal councils from 11 to 7
Boundaries of local governments abutting the Swan and Canning Rivers be extended out to the river midpoint
Key Elements
Source: PowerPoint Presentation by the Chair of the Metropolitan Local Government Review Panel available from the Department of Local Government website.Web address is : http://metroreform.dlg.wa.gov.au/FinalReport.aspx
Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale 7 = Proposed City of Armadale boundary
Option A – Non preferred
Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale 7 = Proposed City of Armadale boundary
8 = Proposed City of Rockingham boundary
Option B – Preferred
A Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale Perspective
Richard Gorbunow Acting Chief Executive Officer
Council does not support the proposed split and amalgamation of Serpentine Jarrahdale with other LGA’s
We recognise the need for reform We propose a series of reforms as contained
in the following slides. We are a growing community
Council’s Current Position
Loss of identity Loss of autonomy and control over our collective
destiny No resultant benefits with many potential
downsides Limited representation It puts our unique environment at risk Diminished emergency services capability The drivers for this initiative are incomplete Inconsistent messages Our community is split in three parts as a result We are more a part of Peel than Armadale I will explain these in more detail
Why we Oppose the Proposal
Loss of identity The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale would cease to
exist We become a part of Armadale or Rockingham or
Murray Our collective voice is weakened
Loss of autonomy and control over our collective destiny We will rely on other decision makers to recognise
our priorities We cannot control what happens at the local level Key local area decision making responsibility is
moved away We rely on a single voice to represent our needs
Our Concerns in More Detail
No resultant benefits with many potential downsides No rate decrease likely to result Services may be reduced and centralised The Review Panel’s benefits are based upon
expediency not community Limited representation
We would have a single voice at the City of Armadale Council table
We are split in 3 parts as a community Our collective voice is lost
Our Concerns in More Detail
It puts our unique environment at risk Others may not value what we have as we do There will be many competing priorities We surrender control to others
Diminished emergency services capability We may no longer have a locally based service Services may become centralised in Armadale
The drivers for this initiative are incomplete The focus of the review is solely on economies of
scale It ignores social capital and environmental value
Our Concerns in More Detail
Loss of identity Loss of autonomy and control over our collective
destiny No resultant benefits with many potential
downsides Limited representation It puts our unique environment at risk Diminished emergency services capability The drivers for this initiative are incomplete Inconsistent messages Our community is split in three parts as a result We are more a part of Peel than Armadale
Our Concerns in More Detail
Inconsistent messages Amalgamation not proposed in earlier reviews in
1974, 1996 or 2006 2009 commendation for sustainable LG practices Now we are too small
Our community is split in three parts as a result We are split between City of Armadale, City of
Rockingham and Shire of Murray We are more a part of Peel than Armadale
We will lose our identity and function as part of the Peel region
Our Concerns in More Detail
Serpentine Jarrahdale remains as is With a reduction in the number of elected
members Regional service delivery opportunities result Boundary changes result west of Kwinana
Freeway Peel based service amalgamations result Alternative reform models for achieving
economies of scale be explored
Our Preferred Approach
Community Forum
Discuss Key RecommendationsAmalgamation onlyAmalgamation and splittingCouncil’s proposed approach
Community Forum
Complete Forum Feedback Sheet on Proposed Recommendations
Consolidate the feedback received tonight and finalise the workshop summary
Post the summary to the Council webpage Present to full Council Council will prepare and lodge its submission
to Dept of Local Government by 5th April 2013
Community welcomed and encouraged to make their own submissions.
Next Steps
Click here
www.dlg.wa.gov.au
Click here
Department of Local GovernmentGordon Stephenson House140 William StreetPERTH WA 6000
GPO Box R1250PERTH WA 6844
Telephone: (08) 6552 1500Facsimile: (08) 6552 1555Free call: 1800 620 511 (Country Only)Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) - Tel: 13 14 50
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