Letter to The Editor - The best Councils are often the smallest ones because they are close to the people

To THE ADVERTISER          One would have expected the new SA Liberal Government would be resistant to implementing the former ALP policies, but it is proceeding with the establishment of the Local Government Grants Commission (LGGC) due next January, (Advertiser April 18, 2018). This independent body will assess proposals or make recommendations for boundary changes and amalgamation of Councils. The new Minister Knoll has said that the Government will not force amalgamations but he admits any changes to boundaries or amalgamations may be initiated by just one Council or the Minister. This will of course, lead to amalgamation of unwilling parties.

     The other subtle tool to promote amalgamation is rate capping which will stifle Councils to some degree and they will then be lured into amalgamation in pursuit of the mystical savings. Any Council of that mind should firstly attempt to discover which Council can demonstrate lower costs following the previous round of amalgamations. The best Councils are often the smallest ones because they are close to the people and have to show greater responsibility to their community.  On the other hand, the recent public outcry over excessive spending and wastage has been directed to the State’s largest Council. Centralisation is not in the community interest. Therefore, we and Councillors need to remain alert and analyse all proposals.
  KG, Naracoorte, SA