Local Government Reform - Have your Say

A summary report went to Council on Tuesday 13 December on the results of stakeholder consultation on local government reform, as well as the NSW government's reform process (Destination 2036).  This follows a 2-month exhibition of Warringah's discussion paper, an online survey, discussion forum, focus groups and the receipt of submissions.

The main outcomes of Warringah's consultation are:
1.  Strong acceptance that the current model for local government is not sustainable.
2.  Strong support from the community and other councils for more shared services.
3.  A good level of support from the community for a single Council for the Peninsula. Most popular was the 
     Warringah-Pittwater-Manly combination. Neighbouring councils oppose any consolidation/ amalgamation.
4.  Overall opposition to a single large regional council (of 7 councils).

Click here for the detailed report on Warringah's consultation, including the focus group report.

Update 14/12/11:
Council resolved on 13 December to:
- Note the results of Warringah's stakeholder consultation; and
- Prepare a submission to the government on its Destination 2036 draft Action Plan. This submission will be the subject of a separate report to Council on 14 February 2012.

The NSW government has released its Destination 2036 draft Action Plan for local government, based on research and consultation with the sector.  This plan helps set a roadmap for reform for the next 25 years. It has 5 key initiatives to help ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of local government in serving our communities:

     - Efficient and Effective Service Delivery
     - Quality Governance
     - Financial Sustainability
     - Appropriate Structures
     - Strong Relationships

All councils can examine and comment on the draft plan, with comments closing on 15 February. Community members can also send comments on the plan to Destination2036@dlg.nsw.gov.au

Thankyou for your interest in the matter of Local Government Reform, nearly 900 people visited or participated in this community engagement on Warringah's website. Hundreds either completed the survey, made a submission or viewed/participated in the discussion forum, with most participants being from Warringah. Focus groups have also provided further insights into the community views - you can see the focus group report here.

Results are currently being analysed, watch this website to keep updated on progress. A report is likely to go to Council on 13 December on local government reform. The NSW government will also soon be releasing a draft Action Plan for their reforms under "Destination 2036" - see papers on the right at the Library tab.

Electoral Reform: Council currently has this somewhat related matter on exhibition until 23 November. This relates to the number of wards, Councillors and the structure. This is initiated by changes brought in by the State government, and is quite separate and independent from Warringah's discussion paper on Local Government reform. If you would like to find out more, or have a say on Electoral Reform go to the online forum.

We are getting such a good level of input in these last few days of the exhibition on local government reform, we have decided to keep the survey open for the final weekend. So we would value your ideas by midnight on Sunday night 23rd October. Keep a look out here for news as to when results will be available of the community consultation.

Don't forget that the 'Electoral Reform' suggestions are quite separate - this relates to numbers of wards and Councillors - and will be open for feedback until 23 November. Click here for more information.

If you are interested in the possisbility of changing the number or boundaries of wards, or the number of Councillors, this is a separate matter of "Electoral Reform" . Submissions on that topic close on 23rd November, to find out more click here.

These are the last days to have your say on ideas for Warringah's future. 
The public consultation period ends on Friday 21st October. 
The ideas to better serve our community and our region are the table - so tell us your view:

Amalgamation and how big?
More shared services?
How can we improve what we do in our region?
What do you want your Council to be like in the future?

Make a short submission :
by clicking on the submission tab - you can also attach a longer submission as a separate file.

Or you can choose the quick options:
Complete the online survey 
Join the discussion forum - add your comment
Or just indicate whether you agree/disagree with some of the views that are already there

Outside Warringah?  Part of an interest group, business or another Council?
You can still have a say - on the survey and submission you can nominate your area and type of interest.

If you have any questions, you can post them on the discussion forum, send an email to council@warringah.nsw.gov.au or call on 9942 2111.  First have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Regional planning maps are now available on the Your Say Warringah site for local government reform. They provide a valuable overall picture of the features and needs of the region as part of long-term planning.

The 'Strategic Planning' map can be found at the 'Options maps' tab on the right – this map covers the major urban features and transport corridors of the area.

Other sets of maps on the natural and built environment are under the 'Library tab':

Built environment - Housing densities; Transport directions; Employment; Culture and theatres.

Natural environment – Natural resources & heritage; Parks & recreation; Natural environment & catchments

These maps are provided courtesy of the NSW Government (Department of Planning), as part of the Metropolitan Plan for Sydney. They cover the North-East Subregion, encompassing Pittwater, Warringah and Manly Council areas.

Although these maps do not directly affect the local government reform process, they do help Councils and the NSW government as we do long term planning for the future of our area.

The State government is examining, along with all Councils, the future shape of local government in NSW. This initiative, 'Destination 2036', is all about planning how to meet the challenges facing local government in the next 25 years  - challenges such as finances, assets, services, population, skills and technology. It started with the NSW Destination 2036 Discussion Paper (1MB) in July 2011 putting forward several models to address the diversity of needs across NSW, including boundary changes and amalgamations.  Then came the Destination 2036 Workshop with all Councils in Dubbo in August.  The workshop outcomes have just been released in the 'Destination 2036 Outcomes Report' (3.8MB) , September 2011.

The report shows that the relationship between state and local governments needs to be redefined if we are to meet the future challenges.  There is a strong focus on providing the tools and legislation to enable local government to be financially stable, adaptable and able to respond to the changing needs of our populations.  A number of priority actions were suggested on local government’s functions, structure, governance, capacity and finance. Comments on the report are due in early November.

All Councils have been invited to comment on the Outcomes Report and contribute towards a state-wide Action Plan focussing on the next 4 years. For more information on the Destination 2036 initiative, click here.

Warringah's survey on local government reform is now available. This is a key way that Council will be gauging the views of people both in Warringah and beyond. It takes about 5 minutes to complete and considers what are the challenges and options facing local government. You can also register your interest for further information or involvement in community engagement.

Whether you are from Warringah or beyond - whether a resident, business, interest group or directly connected with a Council - you can submit your views and help us understand what you want the future to be.

The survey will be available until public exhibition closes on Friday 21 October.

Comments are invited on the paper until Friday 21 October.

• Join the discussion forum
• Make a submission (using the tab on this page)
• Write to Warringah Council, 725 Pittwater Road, Dee Why, NSW 2099 or
• Complete the online survey and register to stay involved