List of former local government areas of Queensland
The Local Government Areas ( LGAs ) of Queensland, Australia are clearly defined areas where constituted by law, local government bodies, known as the Council ( German council ), get specific task and provide services. The size and specify the layout of the area lies solely the responsibility of the Queensland government.
In the past, many LGAs, particularly in the regions of South East Queensland and Darling Downs, merged or abolished, partly voluntary, partly involuntary. The far most important step to reduce the Councils took place in March 2008, when 97 Gouvernment Local Areas and 20 indigenous Councils were re-organized in a statewide reform process. Until that time, the majority of local councils was unchanged over a period of decades, some of which date back even to the early days of the LGAs in 1879.
Local Government Areas reform in 2008
In April 2007, a comprehensive reform process was initiated by the Beattie government. It was established that should investigated the cutting of the LGAs in Queensland, with the exception of the City of Brisbane a commission. This was triggered by a number of Councils in rural areas with tight financial situation and only low population numbers that have been established at an earlier time, when this was justified on the basis of industry and population figures. The inquiry commission shall submit its report on 27 July 2007, by recommending massive cuts in the number of Councils. The new Regional Councils were created around important local centers and capitals, which were selected after a series of criteria, such as economic strength, financial sustainability and common interests. On 10 August 2007 passed the Commission's recommendations, with only minor adjustments, with the Local Government (Reform Implementation) Act 2007 the legislature. It transition committees were set up with the staff of the old LGAs furnished. With the election of new councilors on March 15, 2008, these became obsolete and the new Council began their work.