Media release – Greater Hobart Mayors, 20 July 2023
Statement regarding local government reform
The Greater Hobart Mayors will be writing to the state government this week to express disappointment regarding its lack of engagement following the announcement of reforms that will directly impact the local government sector.
“As Mayors we are committed to improving services to our communities and welcome any reforms that deliver better outcomes for ratepayers.
Our councils have participated in the Future of Local Government Review in good faith. While the Review hasn’t been perfect, the Local Government Board has undertaken a process that has generated a number of thought-provoking options to improve the sector into the future.
The state government now needs to focus on communication and consultation to effectively engage with councils and our communities.
We acknowledge the time and resources that the Local Government Board has put into the Review. Our councils have also contributed many hours to providing input and listening to our communities, staff and views around council tables, to contribute our input into this process. It would be extremely disappointing for this work to be in vain, noting the Greater Hobart Council’s collaborative approach remains unchanged.
We have also been disappointed with the unilateral approach taken by the state government regarding its proposed planning reforms announced earlier this week.
The timing and approach to announcing Development Assessment Panels has lacked transparency and appropriate and meaningful engagement. We are therefore calling on the government to work closely with our Councils on this proposal given the direct impact on our sector, not to mention our intimate experience with the state’s planning system.
While we will always support reform that delivers better services and outcomes for our communities, the state government’s engagement with Councils must improve to avoid eroding the trust and confidence of the local government sector.”
Brendan Blomeley is the Mayor of Clarence City Council, Bec Thomas is the Mayorof Glenorchy City Council, Helen Burnet is the Acting Lord Mayor of the City ofHobart and Paula Wriedt is the Mayor of Kingborough Council.
