Public Forum Discussion Shire of Mundaring 7 December 2011

Public Forum DiscussionShire of Mundaring7 December 2011

Metropolitan Local Government Review

Process

• Review Panel appointed June 2011• Issues Paper released November 2011• Public submissions invited November 2011• Submissions close 23 December 2011• Draft report due March 2012• Final report to government due June 2012

Terms of Reference

• Research improved local government structures and governance models

• Identify new local government boundaries and a resultant reduction in the overall number of local governments

• Prepare options to establish the most effective local government models

Purpose of Review

• Focus on the purpose and role of local government and the community it serves

• It WILL result in a recommendation for fewer local governments and changes to boundaries

Governance

• Arrangements to provide services to citizens

• Includes 3 levels of government, community sector, not-for-profit sector, and private sector

• Review will consider which sector is best-placed to deliver which services

Key Messages

• Perth Hills is different to suburban Perth, and requires particular consideration to how the community is governed

• The most important outcome of the review must be that service to our community is improved

• Responsive, accessible local government and governance

Key Messages

• Large areas of conservation estate and water catchment

• Low population density• Small communities• People choose to live in the Hills BECAUSE it is

different• Community response to environmental values

Submissions

• Public submissions invited• Submissions close 23 December 2011• Metropolitan Local Government Review Panel

GPO Box R1250 Perth WA 6844• metroreview.dlg.wa.gov.au• Tel 6552 1448

Your Thoughts?

Key Questions

• Should voting be compulsory for local government elections?

• Does metropolitan Perth have too many local governments? What would be the advantages in reducing the numbers of local governments?

Key Questions

• If Perth’s local government boundaries do not change, how do you think services could be improved?

• What do you consider the main roles and responsibilities of local government?

• Should local government boundaries be set by an independent body and reviewed at regular intervals?

Key Questions

• In an urban area like Perth, which functions should belong to the State and Commonwealth governments?

• Are there any State-provided services that local government might be better placed to provide?

Key Questions

• Do you think there should greater State government oversight of issues, such as key performance indicators and senior local government employee appointments and salaries?

• If you could make a recommendation to the Minister for Local Government about the best way to organise local government in metropolitan Perth, what would you say?