The NSW funding is aimed at encouraging local governments to merge, with $153 million dedicated for Sydney metropolitan councils alone.
By contrast, the WA government is providing $60 million for metropolitan council reform, $15 million of which will be provided in grants and $45 million as low-interest loans.
‘The NSW government’s announcement demonstrates a clearer understanding on the true cost of reform and the need for strong and properly resourced local governments to help build the state,’ Mr Pickard said.
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Local Government Minister Tony Simpson countered Mr Pickard’s claims, saying the WA amalgamation package equated to about $2 million for each of the 30 councils and was comparable to the $3.7 million allocated for each of Sydney’s 41 councils.
He said when including the number of residents per council, the WA funding offered about $31.97 per person, while NSW funding provided about $34.55 per person.
‘The WA Government is making a significant contribution to the cost of metropolitan local government reform,’ he said.
‘It would be wonderful if this State could afford a much bigger funding package, but sadly, the loss of GST revenue has a big impact here.’
Mr Pickard said WALGA research suggested the average cost of mergers would be between $4.1 million and $7.2 million per amalgamation.
‘Councils will soon face the prospect of either increasing revenue through rates and charges, or cutting back on basic services to fund reform,’ he said.