Destination 2036
Strategic Direction – Appropriate Structures
Initiative 11
Develop a number of different structural models for Local Government.
Why is this important?
We need to recognise that one size does not fit all and we need to develop a number of different models that can accommodate the different types of councils and their communities. We also need to ensure that relevant councils are involved in this process to ensure that they work, before the models are enshrined in legislation.
What is the current situation?
There is wide acceptance among the sector that a number of different models should be applied, primarily depending on geographic location or environment, and the Destination 2036 workshop achieved some headway in sketching out some of the alternative models.
What actions need to be undertaken?
There is a large variety of Local Government structural models in Australia and internationally. In the first instance, it is important for us to understand what these alternative models are, their key features and why they exist the way they do. We can then determine their applicability to the NSW contexts.
This Initiative will then require the “construction” of various structural models, based around the key features of function, governance and finance. It is therefore imperative that this Initiative is developed in close consultation with Initiatives 1, 5, 7, 8 and 13. The models developed at the workshop covered all areas of NSW, but in general tended to focus on urban, regional or rural areas. These models can serve as a starting point for further consideration.
Specific models suggested at Destination 2036 include, but are not limited to:
• a model with greater and more formalised regional service delivery and resource sharing
• a model for small to medium councils with shared administrations but independent elected bodies
• a two tier model, with roles and responsibilities separated between local and regional councils
• a model for larger councils with a corporate board structure and/or corporatized service delivery
The development of these alternative models will need to be done in close consultation and with the participation of relevant council types.
Linkage with other Initiatives
Initiative 1 (Resource Sharing)
Initiative 4 (Service Delivery)
Initiative 5 (Act Review)
Initiative 7 (Governance Structures)
Initiative 8 (Revenue System)
Initiative 13 (Functions)
Priority and timing
DLG has already commenced preliminary desktop research on alternative structural models, which should be finalised by February 2012. Once this work is complete it can serve as a basis for further work on the development of models, which will need to be ready for incorporation into the proposed Act review.
Who is responsible for this Initiative?
DLG is the coordinating agency but will require a team approach including the LGMA (NSW), LGSA, volunteer councils and key employee organisations.
Key Activities
11a Undertake research into alternative structural models of Local Government in Australia and other jurisdictions, identifying their key features and assessing their applicability to NSW
Coordinating Agency Timeframes Linked Act review?
DLG Feb 2012 Yes
11b Develop, with volunteer councils, a variety of models for the structure of councils in NSW
Coordinating Agency Timeframes Linked Act review?
DLG Oct 2012 and beyond Yes
