Local Government Minister John Castrilli has introduced new Regional Transitional Groups to facilitate the next phase of local government reform.
The announcement follows receipt of a steering committee's interim analysis of reform submissions.
Nine local governments advised they were prepared to merge into three separate new entities and have formalised this. A further 54 local governments indicated they were amenable to amalgamations.
Mr Castrilli said by forming transition groups, with a formal, no-opt out agreement, local governments would have the time and opportunity to form relationships based on trust; resolve key issues; and harmonise core functions and services before 2013.
These included:
· strategic and community planning
· infrastructure planning and asset management
· economic development
· corporate services
· planning and management of natural resources
· building and approval processes
· statutory and strategic land use planning
· environmental health
· waste management.
"The interim analysis showed for a small number of local governments in regional areas, amalgamations were not a priority due to their remoteness and size," the Minister said.
"I concluded the best way forward is to form Regional Collaborative Groups, where councils work together before deciding their future.
"Such groups would still be bound by a formal agreement and be required to perform similar functions and services as the Regional Transitional Groups.
"I believe more metropolitan local governments can engage in robust structural reform and re-engage with those next March."
Mr Castrilli said a common theme among the many positive submissions received was the emphasis on increasing the delivery and quality of services to rural, remote and indigenous communities.
The need for greater local government consistency within WA in aspects such as approvals processes, systems and service delivery was also noted.
"Outcomes from departmental discussions with local governments in coming weeks will be incorporated in the steering committee's final report, due in March 2010," the Minister said.
"I expect more mergers to be announced in the coming months as these discussions proceed, including metropolitan councils being prepared to consider mergers.
"I commend councils which have embraced this opportunity and thank the Local Government Reform Steering Committee for its work in preparing the interim analysis."
Minister's office - 9213 6800
