LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM LEGISLATION TO BE INTRODUCED THIS WEEK

State Cabinet today confirmed all boundary recommendations made by the Local Government Reform Commission in Queensland had been accepted.

Premier Peter Beattie and Minister for Local Government Andrew Fraser said Cabinet had also approved 22 of the other 25 recommendations made by the independent Commission to improve local government.

Mr Beattie said the Local Government Reform Implementation Bill 2007 would be introduced into State Parliament tomorrow.

“Legislation to facilitate this major reform agenda is needed immediately to provide certainty for affected communities prior to the March elections next year,” Mr Beattie said.

“A decision on electoral arrangements for new Councils is required by 27 September to allow the Australian Electoral Commission to prepare electoral rolls and it is not possible to alter this date.

“We must act now to assure future certainty for a strong and prosperous local government system in the Smart State.”

Mr Beattie said Cabinet had rejected the recommendation that all Councils subject to the review, apart from the Torres Strait Island Regional and the Northern Peninsula Area Council, should conduct their elections on an undivided basis.

“Since the report was released a little over a week ago the Minister and I have travelled around the State and have already met with Mayors and Councillors from approximately 68 affected Councils,” he said.

“One of the major issues has been concern over the issue of internal boundaries.

“As a result we decided that in line with their wishes the need for internal divisions could be decided on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the new Councils.

“Based on the suggestions and further analysis 26 Councils will go to next year’s election with divisional boundaries and 46 will be undivided.

“The divided councils will include Banana, Scenic Rim, Blackall, Boulia, Bundaberg, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Emerald, Etheridge, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Issac, Logan, Longreach, Mackay, North Burnett, Moreton Bay, Northern Peninsula, Redlands, Rockhampton, South Burnett, Sunshine Coast, Tablelands, Torres Strait Regional Council and Whitsunday.

Mr Fraser said that decisions on whether councillors serve in full or part-time capacity should remain with the relevant Council had also been rejected.

“The State Government will establish an independent tribunal to set salaries for all Mayors and Councillors in all local government. Salaries set will determine in effect whether the councillors are considered full-time or part-time.

“In Queensland, councils have been free to set councillor salaries themselves. The use of an independent body will ensure greater consistency and greater accountability for the use of ratepayers funds.

Mr Fraser said the third recommendation rejected by Cabinet related to suspending small boundary matters related to Hopevale and Wujal Wujal in relation to Cook Shire Council.

“The Commission suggested these matters be resubmitted by the Councils after the March elections.

“However, we believe these matters can be resolved sooner prior to the 2008 election.”

Mr Beattie said the Smart State now had a blueprint to create stronger Councils for a growing Queensland.

“Towns and shires that may have been facing a bleak future will now have a unique chance to consolidate the strength of their communities and create new jobs and opportunities for the future,” he said.

“It has the potential to transform regional Queensland and create new economic and industrial hubs of national and international significance.”

Further inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500

Minister’s Office: 3227 8825