Barry Jarvis, LGAT: New Era for Local Government in Tasmania

“Fourteen new mayors and a host of new councillors being elected to Local Government presents both
a significant challenge and opportunity for Local Government in the State,” President elect of the Local
Government Association of Tasmania, Mayor Barry Jarvis said today.

“We have one mayor new to Local Government and thirteen others that haven’t been in the role before.
It will take a little time for them to find their feet but I am sure that this refresh of Local Government will
be beneficial and exciting for the sector,” he said.

“Four-year terms without the impost of half the council disappearing half way through the term means
that councils can focus on strategic issues in their community and across the sector.’”

“We will be able to approach issues with greater certainty and, ideally, greater commitment knowing
that all elected members will be around for the full period.”

“This is an important time in our State, and the fiscal constraints on the Federal and State Governments
are going to present challenges to the Local Government sector as well,” Mayor Jarvis said.

“We must be strong and united as a sector and, as the new President of the Association, I will be
working to ensure that we have all councils in the State involved in the important discussions that the
sector will need to have.”

“I implore new mayors and elected members to take advantage of the professional development
opportunities that will be made available to them through the Local Government Association over the
coming months, to ensure that they can undertake their roles with the dexterity and professionalism
required.”

“We not only need a strong and robust sector but we need the people in the sector willing and wanting
to take on new skills and concepts,” he said.

Mayor Jarvis also commented that as a sector with an operating revenue of in excess of $700 million,
an asset base of several billion dollars, employing over 4,000 Tasmanians, it was important for
community members to become involved in their local council.

“The lack of participation in these elections will require further consideration on how to improve voter
participation and this will be a discussion the sector should have prior to the next election,” Mayor
Jarvis said.
Stephanie Watson Communications Manager Local Government Association of Tasmania