24/10/01
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Tom Stephens has urged the local government sector to help build a heightened sense of community.
Speaking at the opening of the annual conference of the Local Government Manager's Australia, Mr Stephens said that for Local Government, the time was right to build a sense of community, paying attention to the economic, social and environmental needs of a population jolted by world events.
"The State and local governments needed to work together to ensure the growth of communities happened in a 'connected way'," he said.
"Local government managers themselves were looking at ways such as using technology to deliver more and better services, fostering local development initiatives and improving community information and consultation."
The Minister urged councils to be innovative in measuring the prosperity of communities by, for instance, using non-financial yardsticks attuned to local aspirations.
He also drew attention to possible reforms which could help council's function better.
"The vast majority of problems in Local Government revolve around personalities, personal conflicts and individuals taking on inappropriate roles," Mr Stephens said.
"The Government was considering installing an independent tribunal to set standards for elected member behaviour and to deal with specific cases of disruption.
"The tribunal may comprise a panel of peers and therefore have a greater impact on the local government sector than penalties imposed by the State."
Mr Stephens said that local government managers had the capacity to bolster the success of their respective communities through determination and innovation.
Media contact: Julie Cole - 9213 6500
