❓ Question regarding the cost-benefit analysis and funding of the metropolitan local government reform program, and concerns about the Burswood Casino. The Minister's response addresses funding and refers to the LGAB report.
AnsweredQoN 1236Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
LOCAL
GOVERNMENT — AMALGAMATIONS
1236. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the
minister representing the Minister for Local Government:
(1) Why will
the state government not release information on the cost–benefit
analysis that will presumably be carried out in the development of its
metropolitan reform program policy?
(2) If the cost–benefit analysis is to be released,
when will it be released?
(3) The
Western Australian Local Government Association has estimated the cost of the
metropolitan reform program to be a minimum of $60 million. With the state
government offering only $15 million in grant funds, will the minister please
explain why local ratepayers are expected to foot the remainder of the bill for
a state government policy?
(4) Given the
recommendations of the Local Government Advisory Board, which was appointed by
the state government as an independent adviser on the metropolitan reform
program, why is the Premier still threatening to remove key assets from the
Burswood peninsula—namely, Burswood Casino?
GOVERNMENT — AMALGAMATIONS
1236. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the
minister representing the Minister for Local Government:
(1) Why will
the state government not release information on the cost–benefit
analysis that will presumably be carried out in the development of its
metropolitan reform program policy?
(2) If the cost–benefit analysis is to be released,
when will it be released?
(3) The
Western Australian Local Government Association has estimated the cost of the
metropolitan reform program to be a minimum of $60 million. With the state
government offering only $15 million in grant funds, will the minister please
explain why local ratepayers are expected to foot the remainder of the bill for
a state government policy?
(4) Given the
recommendations of the Local Government Advisory Board, which was appointed by
the state government as an independent adviser on the metropolitan reform
program, why is the Premier still threatening to remove key assets from the
Burswood peninsula—namely, Burswood Casino?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice
of the question.
(1)–(2)
The Local Government Advisory Board's ''Metropolitan Local
Government District Inquiries Report'' presents the rationale for its recommendations
on the 38 proposals for local government boundary reform. This report is
publicly available.
(3) The total
funding package provided for the metropolitan reform process is $60 million,
comprising $15 million in grants and $45 million in low-interest loans. The
costs and benefits that are realised will depend on the decisions that local
governments make in implementing the reform. Local governments are currently
developing project plans as part of their application for state government
funding. These plans will provide more information about the estimated cost of
reform. Once the reforms are in place, they will result in significant ongoing
savings. The new councils will be able to reinvest those savings in their
communities to provide better services for residents across the metropolitan
area.
(4) The LGAB
has recommended that the Burswood peninsula be located within the city of South
Park. The Liberal–National government is focused on supporting local
government's transition to the new arrangements recommended by the
Local Government Advisory Board and accepted by the Minister for Local
Government.
of the question.
(1)–(2)
The Local Government Advisory Board's ''Metropolitan Local
Government District Inquiries Report'' presents the rationale for its recommendations
on the 38 proposals for local government boundary reform. This report is
publicly available.
(3) The total
funding package provided for the metropolitan reform process is $60 million,
comprising $15 million in grants and $45 million in low-interest loans. The
costs and benefits that are realised will depend on the decisions that local
governments make in implementing the reform. Local governments are currently
developing project plans as part of their application for state government
funding. These plans will provide more information about the estimated cost of
reform. Once the reforms are in place, they will result in significant ongoing
savings. The new councils will be able to reinvest those savings in their
communities to provide better services for residents across the metropolitan
area.
(4) The LGAB
has recommended that the Burswood peninsula be located within the city of South
Park. The Liberal–National government is focused on supporting local
government's transition to the new arrangements recommended by the
Local Government Advisory Board and accepted by the Minister for Local
Government.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.