Local Authorities: Your local voice

West Arnhem Regional Council officer Phillip Saunders handing out information on Local Authorities in Gunbalanya earlier this month. Nominations for Local Authorities open Wednesday 2 April.

LOCAL people in West Arnhem will soon have a more direct voice in local government with the establishment of Local Authorities. The West Arnhem Regional Council (WARC) is now calling for leaders and community-minded people to nominate for Local Authority Members in Gunbalanya,
Minjilang, Warruwi and Maningrida. 

The council is currently rolling out its strategy to implement Local Authorities under changes to Northern Territory legislation. Local Boards are being dissolved, with the new Local Authorities having a more direct say in how council funds are spent in communities.

Officer Phillip Saunders says there is a growing surge of grassroots interest from community members. 

“The council is looking for people who want to be leaders in their communities, people who have a strong voice, people who are community-minded, and people who want to see change,” Mr Saunders said. “The council needs your community to tell us what you need.

“At this stage we are getting the information out there, putting it into the communities, and informing community members that this is happening now.”

Word-of-mouth would be one of the main ways the information would spread around West Arnhem, he said. “If you know of someone suitable, encourage them to nominate,” he said.

Nominations open Wednesday 2 April and run until Tuesday 29 April, but Mr Saunders said people should start thinking about nominating now.

“The West Arnhem Regional Council will support people in their nomination through their Council Service Manager,” he said. “You can pick up the nomination forms at the council office. Council staff can help you fill out the application."

NT Government Local Government Officer Colvin Crowe said the changes were being introduced in all regional councils across the Territory.

“Local Authorities have to be in place by 30 June,” Mr Crowe said. “The council needs your community to tell us what you need. A Local Authority basically informs the local council of service delivery needs and aspirations, and this has to be listened to by the local council and reflected in the minutes.

“A council report then goes back to the Local Authority about community issues and priorities, and these priorities have to be reflected in the Regional Council Plan and in the budget.”

Anyone interested in nominating for their Local Authority can contact the WARC Council Service Manager in their community. An information booklet and nomination forms are available for download at  www.westarnhem.nt.gov.au/public notices.