Published Tuesday, 03 June, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Local Government Department goes regional to continue reform
The Local Government Department will spread its resources into regional Queensland to continue the implementation of the landmark reform of the state’s councils.
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said 2008-09 would see significant organisational change, with progress on the department’s move to establish a stronger presence in five key regions.
Additionally, the department will play a major role in the delivery of key projects under the Q150 program this year.
Mr Pitt said the move would involve the deployment of Brisbane-based staff into the five regions – Far North, Northern, Central, South-West and South-East – from 1 July.
“As a regional minister, I am particularly committed to strengthening rural and regional communities,” Mr Pitt said.
“I am also passionate about delivering accountable and transparent government, which is focused on continuous improvement and good service delivery.
“Following the outcomes of local government reform, my department reviewed its structure with a view to better service Queensland’s new councils and the communities they represent.
“The reorientation moves the department from being predominantly Brisbane-based to a truly statewide, regional service delivery organisation.”
Mr Pitt said during the next 12 months, service delivery positions from central office would be transitioned to the regions with the clear goal of improving client service.
“The department has already established a Far North regional office in Cairns and plans are underway to establish an Ipswich office in the South-East Region.”
Mr Pitt said the reform process was not complete and the State Budget provided funding for measures to assist and improve the performance of local councils.
“In the coming year, the department will complete its review of the Local Government Act 1993, with a focus on reducing the complexity of the legislation and giving councils a more flexible framework for the delivery of services to Queensland communities,” he said.
“We will also strengthen transparency and accountability across the sector by requiring councils to develop community reports that keep ratepayers informed on how they are performing.”
Mr Pitt said it was important for the government to follow through with the reform program, to ensure the sustainability of local government in Queensland.
“Councils need to be both sustainable and able to deliver on the increasing demands of ratepayers - to achieve this we will continue to work closely with them to ensure they have the capacity and resources to meet community needs and expectations.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said 2008-09 would see significant organisational change, with progress on the department’s move to establish a stronger presence in five key regions.
Additionally, the department will play a major role in the delivery of key projects under the Q150 program this year.
Mr Pitt said the move would involve the deployment of Brisbane-based staff into the five regions – Far North, Northern, Central, South-West and South-East – from 1 July.
“As a regional minister, I am particularly committed to strengthening rural and regional communities,” Mr Pitt said.
“I am also passionate about delivering accountable and transparent government, which is focused on continuous improvement and good service delivery.
“Following the outcomes of local government reform, my department reviewed its structure with a view to better service Queensland’s new councils and the communities they represent.
“The reorientation moves the department from being predominantly Brisbane-based to a truly statewide, regional service delivery organisation.”
Mr Pitt said during the next 12 months, service delivery positions from central office would be transitioned to the regions with the clear goal of improving client service.
“The department has already established a Far North regional office in Cairns and plans are underway to establish an Ipswich office in the South-East Region.”
Mr Pitt said the reform process was not complete and the State Budget provided funding for measures to assist and improve the performance of local councils.
“In the coming year, the department will complete its review of the Local Government Act 1993, with a focus on reducing the complexity of the legislation and giving councils a more flexible framework for the delivery of services to Queensland communities,” he said.
“We will also strengthen transparency and accountability across the sector by requiring councils to develop community reports that keep ratepayers informed on how they are performing.”
Mr Pitt said it was important for the government to follow through with the reform program, to ensure the sustainability of local government in Queensland.
“Councils need to be both sustainable and able to deliver on the increasing demands of ratepayers - to achieve this we will continue to work closely with them to ensure they have the capacity and resources to meet community needs and expectations.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819