Local Government Campaign Targets MPs

Local Government Campaign Targets MPsThe Property Council Of Australia has launched a campaign directed at Members of Parliament in Western Australia to promote the key final recommendations of the Local Government Advisory Board and the safe passage of related legislation, including the proposed City of Perth Act.The Property Council of Australia welcomes the WA Government’s strategy to implement local government reform in Perth following the release of the Local Government Advisory Board’s final report. The report recommends that Perth’s 30 councils be reduced to 16.The reforms align with the Property Council’s long-standing advocacy objectives for local government reform. Larger and better resourced councils mean property businesses and the community can expect more timely and effective services like local planning and building approval processes, and greater support for the growth of local economic centres.The Government is embarking on a three stage process, including:A raft of boundary amendments and council amalgamations to be effective from 1 July 2015;The introduction of a City of Perth Act to recognise the State capital and the expanded City of Perth; andThe postponement of the creation of a greater western suburbs council.More information about the council boundary changes and amalgamations to take effect from 1 July 2015 are provided in the government’s media release here.It is expected that the enlarged City of Perth will include the City of Vincent, Kings Park, the University of Western Australia and QEII Medical Centre.To see a map of the proposed new local government areas click here.To read the Property Council’s media release click here.The Property Council will campaign strongly for the boundary amendments and council amalgamations to take effect from 1 July 2015 as proposed by the Government. The Property Council will also work closely with State Members of Parliament and other stakeholders to ensure the safe passage of the City of Perth Act. More information about the Property Council’s campaign for the completion of local government reform in Perth and how members can be involved will be made available soon. For details call Lino Iacomella at 04171974.