The WA Local Government Association has urged its members to press ahead with reform plans, after the state government said it would not legislate to force mergers of local councils.
WALGA president Councillor Bill Mitchell endorsed efforts by the local government sector to manage the amalgamation process from within, and said divisive moves would be disastrous for local governments and communities.
"There is an opportunity for Local Government in WA to actively participate in a voluntary reform process that in many cases may involve amalgamations, but in all cases should involve demonstrated sustainability," Cr Mitchell said.
The full announcement is below:
Local Government should not be distracted by conflicting messages in relation to the Local Government structural reform agenda.
WA Local Government Association President Cr Bill Mitchell said the sector has been doing an outstanding job and is on track to present a diverse range of initiatives that will reform the sector.
Cr Mitchell said the current debate over whether Peppermint Grove should be quarantined from the process is not helpful in ensuring that councils continue with the reform process, however he applauded the premier for confirming there would not be legislation to force amalgamations.
"There are a lot of opinions being expressed but the premier yesterday confirmed that state government policy is for voluntary amalgamation," Cr Mitchell said.
"It would be a disaster for local government and their communities if the sector looks to use divisive comments or anything else as an excuse not to work towards genuine and sustainable reform.
"There is an opportunity for Local Government in WA to actively participate in a voluntary reform process that in many cases may involve amalgamations, but in all cases should involve demonstrated sustainability.
"The sector overwhelmingly supported voluntary reform with the endorsement just last September of the WALGA Systemic Sustainability Study final report and it is apparent that this remains the most productive way forward."
