Local Govt Week, Day Three, Part II

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Prior to the WALGA (WA Local Government Association) AGM, the Hon Colin Barnett MLA, Premier of Western Australia, addressed the conference.

Mr Barnett left us in no doubt that by 'structural reform' he means a lot less local authorities. At present, there are 139 local governments serving around 2 million people in Western Australia.

Mr Barnett said he would like to see less than 100 local government authorities in 5 years time. He stated that the status quo is not an option. He also mentioned that forming VROC's (Voluntary Regional Organisations of Council) was only the second best option.

This leaves the Shires of Kent, Kukerin/Dumbleyung and Lake Grace with a huge dilemma. We have chosen the VROC path as our preferred method of reform. We would like to be given a chance to work with this before making any formal commitments such as a ROC (Regional Organisation of Councils) or amalgamation.

Representatives of these three councils have had discussions about our options during the week and will take our thoughts back to the rest of our councils when we return.