More community services and less bureaucratic interruption could come from a Bill introduced into Western Australian Parliament this week.

The Local Government Amendment (Regional Subsidiaries) Bill seeks to enable two or more Local Governments to establish regional subsidiaries.

WA Local Government Association President Mayor Troy Pickard said it would allow Local Governments to share in the delivery of services.

“It will allow Local Governments to focus on service delivery rather than meeting over- burdening requirements of the current Act,” Mayor Pickard said.

“It is hoped it will remove the layers of bureaucracy and red tape that has very much paralysed Local Governments from more effectively and efficiently working together to deliver a range of services.”

In a slight but important variation from the legislation proposed in 2012 (which was not passed), the current Bill does not require the Local Government Minister appoint members of the resulting regional subsidiary boards.

Rather, in this version, the Minister must only approve the board charter applied to appoint members.

If passed, the amendment will enable neighbouring Local Governments to create legal entities to share service delivery in areas including planning approval processes, road maintenance, construction and back office functions.

WALGA President Troy Pickard said actually setting up the new system will be a big challenge, if the Bill is passed.

“The compilation of the regulations will be crucial to the successful operation of these bodies,” he said.

“It is hoped the sector will be consulted in the development of the regulations to support the new legislation.

“[It] is appropriate given that this is a very important step for Local Government in having the opportunity to enhance its service delivery model.

“It is critical to get the content of the regulations that will govern the establishment and administration of regional subsidiaries right,” he said.

“Local Government has much to add to this process and their contribution will ensure an administratively robust and efficient entity.”