Local government is at the cross roads and it’s time for the State Government to work with the industry sector to develop solutions, says Mr Eric Lumsden, the new WA President of local government’s peak professional organisation.

The State Government is asking local government to do more and more on behalf of the community and this is placing the sector under significant stress, Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) says.

“It is now clear from two major reports this year – the Local Government Advisory Board’s report on structural reform and the WALGA study on sustainable local government – that many councils do not have the financial resources to continue current levels of service or update their asset base,” Mr Lumsden pointed out.

“There is also strong competition for appropriate skilled labour. These two factors are the greatest threats to the sustainability of local government. We must address these issues if local government is to be able to provide services and ensure good governance and appropriate management of community assets in the future.

“These are not easy fix issues and will require leadership from all sides of the industry, in particular State Government. They are particularly complex issues in Western Australia -a vast state with different socio economic and cultural issues, where population is growing rapidly in some areas and declining in others.

“The State Government should in close liaison with the local government sector, clearly articulate what it sees as the role of local government, having regard to the community diversity throughout the State.”

Mr Lumsden said that as President of the LGMA he saw one of his key roles as advocating and negotiating with the State Government on behalf of LGMA members and the community the members serve.

“I think I bring to the position a considerable knowledge of the various issues facing local government, from governance through to service delivery,” he says. “Through my experience at the local governments of Swan, Mundaring and Melville, and my extensive knowledge of local government practices throughout Australia and New Zealand, I feel able to represent LGMA members and support its professionalism.”

Mr Lumsden, who is CEO at the City of Melville, was elected President of the LGMA at its AGM last week. Mr Michael Parker, CEO at the Shire of Harvey, was elected Deputy President.

Issued by Local Government Managers Australia (WA)
Local government’s peak professional organisation

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

LGMAWA Office, (08) 9218 8141