Funding boost to support local governments

Country local governments will benefit from a financial injection of more than $5.4 million to support leadership and innovation in the sector and strengthen councils' accountability and performance.

Local Government Minister Tony Simpson said the funding through the State Government's Royalties for Regions Country Local Government Fund would be invested in a series of capacity building initiatives over two years.

"It is a priority of the Government to help country local governments to have the capacity to deliver a wide range of community services into the future," he said.

"This funding will enable them to achieve innovative local solutions in service delivery and community partnerships, and ensure councils' have the right governance to support this.

“These initiatives are fundamental to our commitment to creating a stronger local government sector in Western Australia, and better outcomes for residents and ratepayers."

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the capacity building program was a significant step forward for social and economic development in regional areas.

"This program will support ongoing improvements in the capacity of country local governments to identify and act on opportunities for developments and initiatives, particularly with the community and not-for-profit sector," he said.

Projects in this round of funding include support to develop closer links with community organisations, a program to attract and retain more young people into local government careers, provision of an online management information tool and a review of levels of service.

Since 2013, the capacity building program has provided more than $10 million in support for local councils.