Ratepayers and residents throughout Western Australia will be able to keep an eye on how their councils are performing, thanks to the latest figures provided on the State Government’s MyCouncil website.
The website has been updated to include 2018-19 financial information and includes a Financial Health Indicator – a score which allows people to see the financial health of their council at a glance.
The website also includes information on what local governments raise in rates and how much they spend, details of councillor remuneration and gender diversity, and waste and recycling.
The website allows people to compare their council with another, and is designed to increase transparency and allow the community to ask their local government questions and keep them accountable.
The site is also welcomed by local governments which use it as a barometer of successful financial management.
The MyCouncil website is maintained by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
As stated by Local Government Minister David Templeman:
“I’m pleased that the MyCouncil website has new figures that allow ratepayers and residents to easily assess and keep an eye on the financial performance of their council.
“The website should be compulsory viewing for anyone who takes an interest in their community and wants to ensure their council is on track in terms of managing its finances and spending.
“The numbers are significant: for instance, local governments across WA raised more than $4.2 billion in revenue in 2018-19 – with more than half of this from rates – and expenditure amounted to more than $4.3 billion.
“Local government is also a significant employer, with more than 15,000 employees across WA.”
