John Bowler

John Bowler

Former Minister for Local Government; Employment Protection; Racing and Gaming; Goldfields-Esperance and Great Southern

    Connecting local governments

    7/08/2005 12:00 AM
     
    07/08/05

    The State Government’s commitment to promoting resource sharing in local government has been supported with the launch of ‘Connecting Local Governments’.

    Local Government and Regional Development Minister John Bowler today announced the addition of the Connecting Local Governments section to the Department of Local Government and Regional Development website.

    The website highlights more than 50 resource-sharing partnerships between Western Australia’s local governments.

    “Resource-sharing can offer councils an opportunity to share services, specialised expertise and resources that can result in a more cost-effective and efficient use of their individual resources,” Mr Bowler said.

    “Councils may benefit not only from access to professional staff, but also to state-of-the-art equipment where expensive capital equipment which is not fully utilised can be shared with neighbouring or smaller councils.

    “Connecting local governments offers detailed information on resource sharing, models of governance and valuable funding support to assist local governments in their endeavours to create valuable partnerships.

    “Sharing staff not only provides benefits to local governments, but staff gain a greater understanding and knowledge base being exposed to different localities and councils.

    “Even the larger councils gain benefits from partnerships. For example, the City of Swan is providing for a shared geographic information systems officer to the City of Kalgoorlie.

    “Distance is no obstacle and a prime example is the City of Canning, which is providing financial services to the Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku, a community in the central desert region.”

    The Minister said the State Government was keen to work closely with local governments to assist in partnerships which could provide cost efficiencies and improved service delivery to continue to meet the community’s expectations.

    Information on Connecting Local Governments is available at: http://www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au or by contacting the department on 9217 1500.

    Minister's office: 9213 6500