Both State and Local Government have confirmed their commitment to building the State’s economy, with a joint focus on economic development activities. 

The WA Local Government Association yesterday launched a review of the State’s Plan for Jobs policy, identifying areas in which Local Governments could capitalise upon, and contribute to, the strategy and its aims.

At the launch, attended by the Premier of WA, the Hon Mark McGowan MLA and Minister for Local Government, the Hon David Templeman MLA, WALGA Deputy President Tracey Roberts said Local Government contributed significantly to the WA economy through its many, and varied activities.

“With a combined spend in excess of four billion dollars and responsibility for assets worth ten times that amount, the Local Government sector has a marked impact on the WA economy,” Mayor Roberts said. 

“Whether it be through everyday operations such as land use planning, service delivery and regulatory responsibilities, or larger-scale infrastructure and place-making projects, Local Governments are looking for ways in which they can enhance their impact on economic development, and the consequent benefits this brings to local communities.”

Mayor Roberts said the review document explored opportunities for individual Local Governments to work with the State on their economic development priorities and align local activities with them.
In addition, WALGA has established a major project to support the sector in this work, with an Economic Development Framework to be finalised within the next three months. 

Mayor Roberts said supporting and building WA’s Economy was a Statewide issue and will only be achieved through strong collaboration between all levels of Government, the private sector and the community. 

“Whilst Local Government might be creating an impact in our own right, we also see the importance of supporting State Government priorities and policy development - a process greatly enhanced by our current State and Local Government Partnership Agreement,” she said.

“It is very important that we all share the same vision and objectives to provide opportunities for our West Australian communities.”