Local Government Structural Reform process underway
The Minister for Local Government, the Hon John Castrilli’s reform process for Local Government is underway with all Local Governments having been required to complete a comprehensive sustainability check list, appoint an internal Project Team, decide which regional grouping of Councils they wished to be part of, and indicate with which neighbouring Councils they wished to discuss boundary adjustments and/or amalgamations.
The Town of Bassendean has delivered its completed check list to the Minister by the due date of 30 April 2009, and has appointed its project team which is made up of the Mayor, the CEO, and Councillors John Gangell and Sam Piantadosi.
The Council resolved that its preferred Regional Grouping of Councils is that group of six Councils which are members of the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC). They are: the Cities of Swan, Bayswater and Belmont, the Town of Bassendean, and the Shires of Kalamunda and Mundaring. This choice was a logical one given that the EMRC provides a wide range of shared services and resource sharing for its member councils, operates one of Australia’s top ten waste landfill sites, and continues to be one of the best performing Regional Councils in the State.
The Council chose the City of Bayswater and the City of Swan to have reform discussions with, and again this was a logical choice given that these are the only two local governments which share a border with Bassendean.
Bassendean’s Project Team has already met with the City of Swan and had some informal discussions on the possibility of boundary reform. A meeting is being organised with the City of Bayswater.
The Bassendean Council is adamant that its community will have a significant say in the final submission, which is to be presented to the Minister at the end of August 2009. Details of any agreement with neighbouring councils, and any preferred position proposed by the Council will be communicated to the community and ample opportunity provided for community feedback.
Council is aware that Bassendean has many unique institutions and community and cultural assets which it would not wish to see diluted or disappear as part of a larger local government formed through any amalgamations.
At this early stage, Bassendean is confident of its sustainability and its ability to remain independent within its current borders, but it is understood that the Minister wishes each local government to explore opportunities for reform whilst maintaining local identity and communities of interest. The Council will continue on the path set by the Minister with an open mind but will also require significant formal and informal feedback from the people of Bassendean so that it is informed by its residents’ wishes.
Public meetings, calls for formal submissions, and the opportunity to provide instant feedback to the Town’s website are just some of the strategies that are being looked at to provide opportunities for input. This will of course be supported by information being provided to the community on the process and the results of meetings as they unfold.
However, if you wish to make comment now you are welcome to do so by simply sending your comments in writing to the Town by post or e-mail (please clearly indicate your name and contact details).
The Minister’s reform agenda could well be one of the most significant events in WA local government history, and it is important that the residents have their say.
