The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) has the State Government to commit to greater local government and community consultation surrounding the delivery of proposed light rail networks.

WALGA President, Mayor Troy Pickard, said that the knowledge of the local communities and councils should be considered invaluable.

“Transport networks and easing traffic congestion was a key platform in the recent State Election, with strategic discussions already occurring around the Liberal Party’s commitment to a $1.8bn light rail solution,” Mayor Pickard said.

“We are urging the State to work collaboratively with the Local Governments along these routes, recognising their local expertise and knowledge of the local impacts transport opportunities will bring.”

Mayor Pickard said the sector supported investment in rail and bus transport outlined in the 2011 Public Transport Plan for Perth but also urged Local Governments and their communities be strongly engaged in the detail of proposed routes.

“Transport routes can have a profound impact upon the important role Local Governments and communities play in place-making, so it is critical that they are involved in the early stages of these strategic discussions,” he said.

“When you add to this the complexity involved with business, retail and pedestrian malls in a major city centre such as Perth, the need for localised knowledge is intensified.”