Local Weather

Local Government Reform

 

 

Introduction to Local Government Reform

On 17 April 2007, the State Government announced the Local Government Reform program in Queensland. The Queensland Government committed to allowing local councils to lead the change process, and the formation of a Local Transition Committee and appointment of an Interim Chief Executive Officer occurred in the latter part of 2007.

Staff workgroups considered the implications of amalgamation on day to day operations in each work area, and the results of this work formed part of the Transition Action Plan, a document nominated by the Department of Local Government as a tool to indicate the way forward.

The four Shire Councils enjoyed excellent working relationships with each other, primarily through membership of the South Burnett Local Government Association. Community of interest has ensured that South Burnett councils worked together for mutual benefit, and through the Size, Shape and Sustainability process, had already embarked on the development of a resource-sharing program.

The merging of four shire councils into a single organisation marked the end of an era, and the establishment of a new local government authority, in the South Burnett Regional Council. The sadness associated with losing traditional shire borders has been tempered by a sense of excitement as we prepare for the challenges ahead.

 

 

Local Transition Committee

Local Transition Committees (LTCs) were the body responsible for overseeing the local level change processes required to successfully transition existing councils to new councils in the lead up to the March 15 2008 local government elections.

Membership of the LTC was as follows:

Local Government representativestwo councillors per affected council appointed by the council
Union representativesup to three representatives from the ASU, AWU and QCU (may be either union officials or local delegates);
Community representative/sthe LTC may appoint community representative/s at its discretion;
Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO)as appointed by the LTC on the recommendation of a selection committee consisting of the elected members and an independent person appointed by the LTC; and
Chair of the LTCto be appointed by the LTC and who will be one of the councillors.

The LTC did not replace your former council - they were in place to facilitate the changeover from their former local government area to the new council structure.

South Burnett LTC Members

Cr Roger Nunn
Kingaroy Shire Council		Cr Cheryl Dalton
Kingaroy Shire Council
Cr Reg McCallum
Nanango Shire Council		Cr Roslyn Gregor
Nanango Shire Council
Cr Peter Angel
Murgon Shire Council		Cr Raelene Dennis
Murgon Shire Council
Cr David Carter (Chairman)
Wondai Shire Council		Cr Wayne Kratzmann
Wondai Shire Council
Mr Danny Reeves
Australian Workers Union		Ms Maree Duffy
Australian Workers Union
Mr Shane Gray(Interim CEO)
Nanango Shire Council		Mr Rohan Crotty
Queensland Council of Trade Unions

 

View past LTC meeting minutes:

 

 

TAP

Download Transition Action Plan

 

Local Government Reform Timeline

2007

April 17
government announces statewide reform to local government via forced amalgamations.

April 26
Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment Act comes into force to provide for reforms and create Local Government Reform Commission.

May 1
State Transition Committee established to oversight and manage reforms at statewide level. This Committee will function until the March 2008 local government elections.

May 25
Public suggestions to Commission about council amalgamations close.

July 27
Commission hands down report on new council boundaries, electoral arrangements and new names.

August 7
Local Government Reform Implementation Bill establishing new council arrangements and legislative provisions to effect implementation introduced to Parliament.

August 10
Local Government Reform Implementation Bill passed and assented.

August 17
Local Transition Committee (LTC) Guidelines released by DLGPS&R.

August 29
Workforce Transition Code of Practice released by DLGPS&R.

September 9
Under legislation LTCs required to have convened first meeting and published public notice advising of meeting outcomes.

November 1, 13-15

Parliament sits - it is expected that the Bill providing the new legislative arrangements for the Torres Strait will be introduced.

2007- 2008

October to Mid March

LTCs responsible for:

  • Appointing a Chairperson;
  • Appointing Interim CEO;
  • Approving Interim Executive Structure; and
  • Preparation and Approval of Transition Action Plan.

NOTES:

A committee of the LTC consisting of only elected representatives and an independent person will be responsible for selecting the interim CEO and providing a recommendation to the LTC.

LTCs must appoint Interim CEO within one month of establishment.  LTCs will be supported by an Employment Sub Committee which will provide advice on transitional employment matters.

2008

March 15
Local Government Elections - to be run by Electoral Commissioner.

Mid-March Onwards
New councils become operational and have responsibility for new strategic direction.

NOTE: LTCs discontinue post elections.

Interim CEO and interim executive organisational structure will be responsible for undertaking change management process and ensuring new council is operational.

All other council employees from "former councils" will continue in normal positions and locations until otherwise determined by the new council.

Mid August
New council must have appointed permanent CEO by now - that is within six months of the election.

2009

Mid March
New council must have:

  • Determined new council organisational structure by now - that is within twelve months of the election; and
  • New Industrial Agreement established within 12 month period.

2011

Mid March
Government job security package ends.
End of application of the Code.