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SPENCER GULF CITIES

 

The three Upper Spencer Gulf Councils – Port Pirie, Whyalla and Port Augusta, along with the Municipality of Roxby Downs are members of the “Spencer Gulf Cities” Local Government alliance.

 

Spencer Gulf Cities is a region defined in the South Australian Local Government Association’s constitution. The organisation has existed since approximately 1987 as a section 34a prescribed body under the former Local Government Act.  It is now auspiced and resourced through the Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group.

 

Through Spencer Gulf Cities, the region is represented on the board of the Local Government Association and participates in a collaboration of regional Councils from across the state through the ‘South Australian Regional Organisation of Councils – or SAROC’.

 

In 2013 SAROC endorsed a strategic policy initiative seeking commitment from the State Government to:

1.  GROW REGIONAL CENTRES

Commitment to 30% of South Australia's population to be based outside Greater Adelaide, with a particular focus on growing our regional service centres.

 

2. STRENGTHEN REGIONAL INVESTMENT

Commitment to a 'Regional Investment' program to support infrastructure development in regional South Australia.

 

3. RECONNECT WITH REGIONAL COMMUNITIES

Commitment to at least 30% of the State Government public service to be based in regional South Australia.

Download the full document here

 

Broader considerations for the entire local government sector in the state include recommendations from two significant reform agendas:

 

  • “Strengthening South Australian Communities in a Changing World – The Council of the Future”; Local Excellence Expert Panel; Local Government Association; December 2013 DOWNLOAD HERE

 

  • “Transforming our Planning System – Response of the South Australian Government to the final report and recommendations of the Expert Panel on Planning Reforms”; Government of South Australia; March 2015. DOWNLOAD HERE

 

These reports provide a substantial basis for the priorities for 2015/16 agreed by the Premier and the Local Government Association under the State-Local Government Relations Agreement:

 

Local Government Reform

  • Developing potential local government reforms, as explored by the Local Excellence Expert Panel and the Expert Panel on Planning Reform.

  • These reforms will encompass potential for regional service delivery and include improving the boundary reform processes.

 

Regional Delivery and Governance

  • Progress opportunities for a joint State-Local Government approach to developing infrastructure of regional importance that underpins economic growth.

 

Utilisation of Local Government Equity

  • Explore potential opportunities for Local Government to utilise equity in supporting investment in projects and infrastructure projects that benefit their communities.

 

Economic Priorities

  • Develop opportunities that the State Government’s 10 Economic Priorities could provide to further Local Government contributions to the State’s economic growth.

 

Financial Reporting

  • The State Government will publish summary financial information on the financial performance and position of Local Government and trends in Local Government's finances over time and provide the Local Government Association with a summary report of any Budget measures (revenue or expenditure) which impact directly on Local Government.

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