Reform of local government on its way

The NSW Government has released IPART’s final report on the ‘Assessment of Council Fit for the Future Proposals’.

Of the 139 proposals received, 52 were found to be ‘fit’ under the Fit for the Future criteria established by the Government last year. These included four merger proposals (covering nine councils) and 48 proposals from councils proposing to stand alone.

Proposals were assessed according to whether they delivered the scale and capacity, financial sustainability, the ability to effectively manage infrastructure and services, and efficiency for the community as required under the criteria.

Only nine Sydney councils, including those which have proposed mergers, have been ruled as fit – with 29 classified as unfit.

The report argues up to $2 billion in benefits could be delivered through mergers within Sydney over the next 20 years if the Independent Local Government Review Panel’s merger recommendations were adopted.

Councils found unfit now have 30 days to identify options for amalgamation, or risk having it imposed on them.

Council amalgamations are a game-changer that will allow councils to better plan, manage and execute their budgets, as well as improve service and infrastructure delivery. Amalgamations would also improve the ability of councils to engage with other tiers of government.

To access the report and media release click here.

To view the Office of Local Government campaign website, please click here.

To view the Office of Local Governments’s advertisement, please click here.