Enhancing Efficiency in Australian Local Government: An Evaluation of Alternative Models of Municipal Governance1

Broad consensus exists in Australian policy circles on the need to enhance the efficiency of local government. However, the question of the most appropriate model for local governance remains controversial. Quite apart from the larger amalgamated municipalities, a range of promising alternative options can be identified that may be able to effectively combine more efficient service delivery with vibrant local democracy, including existing small councils, ad hoc resource sharing models, Regional Organisations of Councils (ROCs), area integration and joint board models, virtual local government, and agency models. This article seeks to identify and evaluate the characteristics of these alternative models.