The Perth Inner City Group (PICG) has now signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to deliver service sustainability and workforce stability across the Perth metro area.

The MOUs signal a commitment to proactive cooperation for the benefit of the 170,500 residents and nearly 20% of WA’s workforce[1] in Perth’s inner-city areas.

The MOUs provide a framework for united support between the local governments, addressing two core areas: business continuity and federated services. Signed in late October 2024, the MOUs establish coordinated approaches to maintain service delivery and workforce resilience amid sector-wide challenges in recruitment and retention, largely influenced by WA’s mining and gas sectors.

Under the Business Continuity MOU, the five local governments will cooperate on service delivery continuity in times of emergency or disruption, with focused support for services like customer service, IT, and access to works materials.

The Federated Services MOU aims to support operational efficiency by enabling short-term coverage across the region, creating opportunities for professional development and shared expertise in key areas such as environmental health, transport engineering, and geospatial services.

These measures aim to reduce disruptions to business-as-usual activities and ensure inner city residents, workers and visitors have continued access to important local services.

Comments attributed to City of Vincent CEO David MacLennan

“PICG’s regional strategy reflects a long-term commitment to funding, policy alignment, sustainability and collaborative outcomes.”

“All local government are delivering the same essential services to our community. We are also doing this against the backdrop of a major jobs and skills challenge in critical areas. Many Councils across Australia are experiencing jobs and skills shortages. It can also be challenging for local governments to compete with the private sector particularly the remuneration packages offered in the resources sector.”

“These new MOUs with our Inner City neighbours will provide greater resilience and support to the City of Vincent if we have a business or service continuity disruption. The 5 Perth Inner City Councils have agreed to support each other and assist in the event of a crisis. That is what good neighbours do. This work of the Perth Inner City Group has also demonstrated our ability to have service delivery collaboration without amalgamation.”

Comments attributed to City of Perth CEO Michelle Reynolds

“The City of Perth is grateful to have such professional and constructive relationships with our Inner City CEOs.” 

“Collectively we are working to deliver for our communities and these formalities cement this commitment.”

Comments attributed to City of Subiaco CEO Colin Cameron

“These MOUs demonstrate a formalised commitment by inner city councils to delivering the best outcomes for the community and staff, particularly during times of emergency, by leveraging our strength as a collective. They are reflective of our increasingly collaborative approach to supporting the urban heart of WA.”

Comments attributed to City of South Perth CEO Mike Bradford

“The Perth Inner City Working Group (PICWG) has signed new MOUs, establishing a unified and coordinated approach for collaboration between the five local government areas.”   

“This partnership will strengthen our collective efforts to address critical challenges and create a lasting positive impact. By focusing on key areas such as business and service continuity disruptions, employment opportunities, and skills shortages, we are committed to continuing to work together to bring further benefits to our local communities.”

Comments attributed to Town of Victoria Park Acting CEO David Doy

“The PICG has done a fantastic job of uniting our inner-city Councils on issues and innovations which reach beyond the lines separating us on the map, combining our efforts on things like homelessness, public transport and tourism.”

“These MOUs represent a logical step forward in the relationship between our local governments, ensuring a continuity of service delivery that meets the high standard expected by our combined residents and ratepayers, as well as the many visitors to our inner-city precincts.”

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[1] Statistics from Profile ID, Economic Profile, ABS Census 2021.