Talks focus on councils

The conference is expected to attract community leaders, councillors and officers in local governments, prospective councillors, community organisations, services practitioners, researchers and policy makers.

While Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett will not be attending, he said it was important for council to retain a close relationship with its residents, a key discussion topic of the conference.

‘A growth council such as Cockburn needs to work collaboratively with its community, across the region and with the State and Federal governments to provide the best possible range of services within the resources available,’ he said.

Mr Howlett said community input was imperative for Cockburn to function properly.

‘Engagement and responding to feedback from the community are important elements of building partnerships.’

Another topic set to be raised at the conference involves people who may be considering running for a position on their local council.

Cockburn councillor Stephen Pratt encouraged people seriously to consider taking up the challenge.

‘First of all, I would tell people you can make a difference,’ he said.

‘Local government councillors definitely have the ability to have influence over big decisions that affect the city as a whole.

‘An example of this is (when I helped in) the installation of a much-needed drinking fountain for people and dogs at Hargreaves Park in Coolbellup.

‘On a larger scale I have been actively involved in the process for the Cockburn Central West Aquatic Facility, which is very exciting for the City of Cockburn.’