The Queensland Government has passed what it calls ‘the biggest reform of Local Government in a generation’, saying it will fundamentally change the way Local Government do business.

 

State Minister for Local Government, David Crisafulli, said that the amendments to the Local Government and City of Brisbane acts were unanimously accepted by local councils, despite any ideological divide.

 

“Voters are back in the driver’s seat with their councils, rather than bureaucrats and the State Government,” Mr Crisafulli said.

 

Changes include:

  • Mayors back in control of councils, so they are truly accountable to their ratepayers
  • Red tape cuts by dispensing with annual community and financial plans
  • Residential occupiers are now responsible for complying with local laws, as well as owners
  • Councils can again hold referendums on issues of significant local interest
  • Conflict of interest provisions increase penalties for rogue councillors

 

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has welcomed new laws, saying it will give councils greater freedom to the concerns of their communities and better contribute to the growth in the State’s regional areas.

 

Local Government Association of Queensland President Margaret de Wit said planning reform legislation also passed by State Parliament earlier this week would ensure communities enjoyed the full benefits of new housing and commercial development.

 

Cr De Wit said the legislation gave councils the tools to ensure their communities were properly empowered to decide the future direction of their local economies.

 

“Councils have been waiting for these changes for a long time.  They remove the shackles of bureaucracy clamped on local councils by the previous state government and free up mayors, councillors and council administrations to be more responsive to what their communities are telling them they want to happen,’’ she said.

 

She said the reforms were a good start to a renewed and mutually beneficial relationship between George St and the level of government closest to the community, local councils.

 

“I congratulate Local Government Minister David Crisafulli and Assistant Minister for Planning Reform Ian Walker on their efforts to ensure proper consultation with local government on these changes before they were introduced into Parliament.’’