STREETLIGHTING CHARGES

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (14:56): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for State/Local Government Relations a question regarding streetlighting charges for local government.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: Last year, the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) undertook a review into the cost sharing arrangements with councils for streetlighting charges, including the methodology and process used to calculate monthly charges to councils for the powering, maintenance and installation of streetlights.

In November 2012, the Local Government Association was informed of the state government's decision to increase the monthly charges to councils from 1 January 2013. The LGA unsuccessfully lobbied DPTI to delay the increase until 1 July 2013 so that it would not impact on council budgets already determined for the 2012-13 financial year. My questions are:

1. Will the minister provide the details of the methodology change following the review into cost sharing arrangements with councils for streetlighting charges?

2. Will the minister confirm what impact the decision to increase the monthly charges to councils for the powering, maintenance and installation of streetlights from 1 January 2013 will have on the outcome of council budgets for 2012-13?

3. Will the minister also explain why the state government refused the request from the LGA to defer the cost increase for energy and maintenance charges to councils until 1 July 2013?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:58): I thank the honourable member for his most important questions. I understand that there was recently a report on the issue of the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure in relation to seeking a 50 per cent contribution from councils towards additional streetlighting on roads under the care, control and management of the Commissioner of Highways. I am advised that the matter was raised at the South East Local Government Association (SELGA) meeting that was, I understand, convened in February this year.

I am aware also that the LGA has previously lobbied the department on behalf of member councils in an attempt to defer the charges until 1 July 2013, which has been declined, I understand. The cost of the provision of streetlighting on roads under the care, control and management of the Commissioner of Highways, I have been advised, is generally shared with councils on a 50 per cent recovery basis, and this is in accordance with the provisions, I am advised, of section 26(11) of the Highways Act. The 50 per cent recovery is based on the provision that roadway lighting provides an amenity for local ratepayers, through the lighting of footpaths and adjacent areas, which can contribute to the safety and security of the community.

I am also advised that the department has offered, upon request, to provide further explanation to councils on how council contributions to the commissioner have been determined. Obviously, members will appreciate that the Highways Act is committed to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, the Hon. Tom Koutsantonis. That is the information that I have been advised.