Local Government in Western Australia is currently pursuing structural reform to better serve the economic, social and environmental needs of communities. The reform process was initiated by the Local Government sector itself and has already resulted in greater resources sharing and amalgamations of some Councils.

A central part of Local Government’s approach to reform has been unprecedented research and analysis as part of the WALGA Systemic Sustainability Study.

The State Government announced its own reform plan in February 2010 requiring all Local Governments to submit amalgamation proposals by the end of September.  In June 2011 they announced a review of metropolitan Councils with an independent panel to report to the Government in June 2012.

WALGA and the overwhelming majority of the Local Government sector in WA support the need for reform but are adamant that participation needs to be voluntary to ensure community support and help enhance the prospect of any changes being sustainable in the long term.

To find out more about voluntary reform and what Local Governments across Western Australia are already doing to make improvements, go to www.voluntaryreform.com.au