Local Government services to remote indigenous communities

1. Local Government services to remote indigenous communities

2. Municipal and Essential Services (MUNS) - Current Arrangement The Australian Government provides MUNS funding (through the Remote Indigenous Housing Program). MUNS funding is designed to supplement the efforts of State, Territory and Local governments to ensure Indigenous people have access to services appropriate to their level of need in the geographical location. In WA this funding is provided to contracted service providers such as Indigenous community corporations, Indigenous resource agencies, Not for Profit organisations, private sector contractors, Local governments and the WA State Government. Funding is provided on an annual basis and current contracts expire on 30 June 2012. The MUNS program supports the objectives of the COAG’s closing the gap agenda.

3. Municipal and Essential Services  MUNS funding is provided for activities such as: The operation and maintenance of essential services – power, water, sewerage systems (but not household septic tank maintenance). The management and delivery of municipal services such as rubbish collection, tip management and maintenance, dust control. Higher level maintenance of essential services for medium to large communities is provided by the WA Govt. under the RAESP program.

4. Municipal and Essential Services  MUNS funding is allocated according to Low, Medium and High priorities within this the larger permanently established communities are accorded the highest priority: High priority items – power (including diesel gen. fuel), water and sewerage operation and maintenance. Medium priority items – waste disposal, internal roads maintenance, aerodrome maintenance, environmental health activities, maintenance of essential services (P/W/S) infrastructure and municipal services. Low priority items – landscaping and dust control, dog control and other municipal services.

5. Municipal and Essential Services  Higher priority for funding these services is accorded to large permanently established communities meeting these NPA RSD principles for investments in remote locations such as: Having a significant Indigenous population. Providing an improvement in education & training contributing to sustainable workforce development and the market economy on a sustainable basis; a reduction on welfare dependence where possible; promotion of personal responsibility; engagement and behaviours consistent with positive social norms.

6. Municipal and Essential ServicesNew arrangement Through the COAG NPA Remote Indigenous Housing the Commonwealth, States and NT governments committed to negotiate reformed arrangements for funding and delivery of MUNS and essential services in remote Indigenous communities. An audit of municipal and essential services has been completed in several remote locations to assess the level of outstanding need. The WA Government is still to provide formal endorsement of the WA Audit report. Once state and NT audit reports are agreed, the Commonwealth will work with jurisdictions to finalise a National Audit Report that will inform Commonwealth and State negotiations on future arrangements. Note - second dot point: the audit will also inform negotiations on a proposal for revised arrangements. Note - second dot point: the audit will also inform negotiations on a proposal for revised arrangements.

7. Municipal and Essential ServicesNew arrangements Consultation with WA local government organisations throughout this process will primarily be through the WA Government. The WA Government has established a Planning Committee to consider future arrangements for the provision of municipal services in WA. The Commonwealth recognises further investment is required to ensure access to reliable and adequate infrastructure and municipal and essential services. The Commonwealth and WA Governments will work together to progress negotiations on revised arrangements. Note – first dot point: the Commonwealth is committed to ensuring that all stakeholders are kept informed of developments as this process progresses. Note - second dot point: the committee will be led by the Dept. of Local Government; it will include the relevant Shire Councils including the Broome Shire; the Commonwealth will be represented on this committee. Note – third dot point: this will require a commitment from all levels of government to implement substantial reform that delivers sustainable long term improvements to planning, management, delivery and user charging. Opportunities to access private sector investment will also need to be pursued. Note – fourth dot point: many of the concerns raised by local governments will be addressed through this process.Note – first dot point: the Commonwealth is committed to ensuring that all stakeholders are kept informed of developments as this process progresses. Note - second dot point: the committee will be led by the Dept. of Local Government; it will include the relevant Shire Councils including the Broome Shire; the Commonwealth will be represented on this committee. Note – third dot point: this will require a commitment from all levels of government to implement substantial reform that delivers sustainable long term improvements to planning, management, delivery and user charging. Opportunities to access private sector investment will also need to be pursued. Note – fourth dot point: many of the concerns raised by local governments will be addressed through this process.