Industry Coalition established to advocate Council reform

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Industry Coalition established to advocate Council reformThe Property Council of Australia (SA Division) has established an industry coalition to advocate Local Government reform. “It’s time industry stood together to talk Local Government reform,” said SA Executive Director Daniel Gannon. “Council reform is a game-changing policy that can improve planning, services to communities and infrastructure needed to underpin future prosperity and growth. “If South Australia fails to reform, we risk a continuation of the historical disjointed approach to Adelaide’s growth. We need to open up our doors, not close them.” The Industry Coalition Advocating Council Reform comprises the following groups: 1) Property Council of Australia (SA Division) 2) Australian Hotels Association (SA Division) 3) Urban Development Institute of Australia (SA Division) 4) Housing Industry Association (SA Division) 5) Australian Property Institute (SA Division) 6) Motor Trade Association of South Australia 7) Master Builders Association of South Australia 8) Real Estate Institute of South Australia 9) Civil Contractors Federation (SA Branch) 10) Australian Institute of Conveyancers (SA Division) 11) Shop Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SA & NT Branch) “Each of these industries is affected in one way or another by Local Government, ranging from planning complexities through to onerous and futile red tape,” said Mr Gannon. “The future of Adelaide’s CBD, our metropolitan and regional communities is far too important to be ignored, tossed in the bin, subjected to ridicule or placed in the ‘too hard’ basket. “Councils play a crucial role and provide a fundamental interface between local communities and industry – and that’s why this coalition has been established. “During the recent election campaign, a range of reform initiatives were canvassed, including amalgamations, online voting, compulsory voting, the possibility of concurrent State and Local Government elections, and tenure of councillors. “Other jurisdictions around the country are currently talking and implementing serious reform. “The reality is, other states are seizing the opportunity to modernise, and it’s time we did the same here in South Australia.” The Industry Coalition Advocating Council Reform will hold its inaugural meeting in mid-January 2015.