❓ Mr. Templeman questions the Minister about the LGAB's decision to refuse the amalgamation of regional councils and the weight given to community opposition, particularly in comparison to potential metropolitan amalgamations. The Minister outlines the factors considered by the LGAB and avoids commenting on the weight given to submissions.
AnsweredQoN 3028Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the decision by the Local Government Advisory Board (LGAB) to refuse the voluntary amalgamation of the regional councils of Tammin, Cunderdin, Quairading and York, and ask: (a) can the Minister confirm that a key reason for not allowing the amalgamation was the opposition from community groups received as submissions by the LGAB; and (b) will the same weight be given to submissions opposing forced amalgamations in the metropolitan area?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
11 November 2014
Responded by
Minister for Local Government
Response time
28 days
(a) There were a number of reasons given by the LGAB for not recommending amalgamation of Tammin, Cunderdin, Quairading and York. In carrying out a formal inquiry, the LGAB is required to consider submissions made to it under clause 4(2)(c) of Schedule 2.1 of the
Local Government Act 1995
and have regard, where applicable, to the following factors:
· community of interest;
· physical and topographic features;
· demographic trends;
· economic factors;
· the history of the area;
· transport and communication;
· matters affecting the viability of local governments; and
· the effective delivery of local government services.
The LGAB may also take into account any other matter that it considers relevant as part of its inquiry.
The LGAB's report on the proposal is clear that it took all of these matters into consideration. My reading of the report does not lead me to conclude that community opposition was the key reason for the LGAB's recommendation.
Once the LGAB has recommended that a proposal be rejected, the Act provides that I can only accept the LGAB's recommendation.
See LGAB report tabled the 25 February 2014 (tabled paper number 1246) for information.
(b) In carrying out a formal inquiry, the LGAB is required to consider submissions made to it under clause 4(2)(c) of Schedule 2.1 of the Local Government Act 1995. I cannot comment further on what weight the LGAB has given to submission.
Local Government Act 1995
and have regard, where applicable, to the following factors:
· community of interest;
· physical and topographic features;
· demographic trends;
· economic factors;
· the history of the area;
· transport and communication;
· matters affecting the viability of local governments; and
· the effective delivery of local government services.
The LGAB may also take into account any other matter that it considers relevant as part of its inquiry.
The LGAB's report on the proposal is clear that it took all of these matters into consideration. My reading of the report does not lead me to conclude that community opposition was the key reason for the LGAB's recommendation.
Once the LGAB has recommended that a proposal be rejected, the Act provides that I can only accept the LGAB's recommendation.
See LGAB report tabled the 25 February 2014 (tabled paper number 1246) for information.
(b) In carrying out a formal inquiry, the LGAB is required to consider submissions made to it under clause 4(2)(c) of Schedule 2.1 of the Local Government Act 1995. I cannot comment further on what weight the LGAB has given to submission.
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