Premier’s Local Government Council – Meeting Report

24 April 2007

The Premier’s Local Government Council (PLGC) held its 20th meeting on 24 April 2007.

The PLGC noted progress on two projects and discussed the Ministerial Water and Sewerage Taskforce:

• Review of the Operations and Functions of the Local Government Board: The Council noted that there were many responses to the Issues Paper and that a workshop was held on 4 April, involving the Steering Committee and President and CEO of the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) to work through the responses. It was also reported that a draft paper of recommendations is being prepared for further public consultation.
• Review of the Statewide Partnership Agreement on Communication and Consultation between the State and Local Government: The Council noted that a new draft Agreement is being developed by the Local Government Office and the LGAT. There will be consultation on the draft Agreement with State Agencies and Councils before a final draft is provided to the PLGC to be endorsed for signing.
• Ministerial Water and Sewerage Taskforce: The Premier reported to the Council on the work of the Ministerial Water and Sewerage Taskforce and there was an exchange of views on the issue. The Premier advised that a special meeting of the PLGC would be held after Cabinet had considered a report from the Taskforce and that no decision or announcement would be made on future arrangements until then.

The Council received reports on a range of issues, including the Better Planning Outcomes project and the State Policy on the Protection of Agricultural Land, the Demographic Change Advisory Council, the Strategic Infrastructure Investment Criteria project, Regional Economic Development Plans, activities in promoting Tasmania, an update on actions to address skill shortages in Local Government, climate change and the report of the Financial Sustainability of Local Government in Tasmania.

The Premier expressed the State Government’s commitment to both the new Kingston High School and an ongoing program of capital and maintenance works for schools. He also reported on the progress of the pulp mill project and reported advice that efforts are being made to ensure Councils are provided with early advice on the fire services levy for 2007 – 08 and the reasons for any increases in their municipal areas.

The next meeting of the PLGC is yet to be determined, as it will receive an update on the Ministerial Water and Sewerage Taskforce, prior to the scheduled 21 August meeting. The last PLGC meeting for 2007 is scheduled for 12 December in Launceston.

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