The Property Council of Australia has today urged the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) to put its beef with the State Government aside and accept today’s local government reform recommendations for the betterment of Queensland.
Welcoming today’s recommendations, Executive Director, Robert Walker, said it was now time for the LGAQ to draw a line in the sand, accept the umpire’s ruling and move forward for the benefit of all Queenslanders.
“Today is a turning point in the history of local government in Queensland and will be remembered as
the start of a stronger local government for Queensland,” Mr Walker said.
“Now is the time for the LGAQ to show leadership its membership deserves,
embrace the changes and work with the State Government and local communities to ensure a smooth and efficient amalgamation process for the affected areas.”
Mr Walker said the LGAQ’s claims (throughout its anti-reform campaign) that house prices would fall as a result of amalgamations was unfounded and bordered on ridiculous.
“The reality is that a more robust and efficient local government will lead to better service provision and a burgeoning economy in which house prices will rise,” Mr Walker said.
Mr Walker said the property industry was now urging the Government to forge ahead with reforming local government in Queensland.
“The reforms are a win for the ratepayers of Queensland who will now benefit from better local services and better long term outcomes for the affected communities.”
Contact:
Michelle Wellington, Media Manager, 0447 172 197
