The Western Australian Local Government Association has publically backed legislation introduced before State Parliament that will enable two or more Local Government bodies to establish regional subsidiaries.

 

The Local Government Amendment Bill will enable multiple Local Government bodies to share in the delivery of services, a change that the WALGA has long campaigned for.

 

“This change will allow Local Governments to focus on service delivery rather than meeting over- burdening requirements of the current Act,” WALGA President Troy 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.”


The passing of the legislation will enable neighbouring Local Governments to create legal entities to share the delivery of critical services, including planning approval, road maintenance, construction and back office functions.

 

The flexibility that will be delivered by this amendment will strengthen Local Government service delivery and regional collaboration, however the compilation of the regulations will be crucial to the successful operation of these bodies,” Mr Pickard said.

 

“It is critical to get the content of the regulations that will govern the establishment and administration of regional subsidiaries right. Local Government has much to add to this process and their contribution will ensure an administratively robust and efficient entity.”