Bundaberg Mayor backs Council reform

The biggest reform of Local Government in a generation will become law after changes to the Act were passed in Parliament late last night, with the support of Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Mal Forman.

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said amendments to the Local Government and City of Brisbane Acts will change the way councils do business. 

“I’ve met with Queensland’s 73 Councils, and they wanted change,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“The Mayors and councillors are united on this, regardless of political leanings, the size of their Council, or their location.

“If we want to change the economy, we need to change the things that were holding Queensland back.”

Mayor Forman thanked the Minister for the changes.

“It is much needed and will be a great benefit to elected Mayors and Councillors in delivering for our communities,” Mayor Forman said.

Mr Crisafulli said the previous Act made councils less responsive to their communities because they were too busy reporting to George Street in Brisbane.

“Whether it’s Brisbane City Council having to pay $5,000 for tabling the minutes in the wrong order, or regional mayors having to keep pointless logs of requests to their CEOs, we can do a lot better.

“Voters are back in the driver’s seat with their councils, rather than bureaucrats and the State Government.”

The amendments follow his visits to the 73 councils around the state, where he listened to councils’ concerns.

“Big or small, country or city, the message was the same: stop the stupid rules and regulations,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“The previous Act made councils less responsive to their communities and we’re restoring their power to act.”

Changes include:

·        Mayors back in control of councils, so they are truly accountable to their ratepayers

·        Red tape cuts by dispensing with annual community and financial plans

·        Residential occupiers are now responsible for complying with local laws, as well as owners

·        Councils can again hold referendums on issues of significant local interest

·        Conflict of interest provisions increase penalties for rogue councillors while ensuring law abiding representatives don’t get treated like errant children

[ENDS] 14 November 2012

Media Contact:          Monica Rostron 0409 126 332

Andrew Longmire 0418 216 627