The facts say YES The 2013 referendum to recognise local government the facts say yes The 2013 referendum to recognise local government

What’s it all about? On election day the City of Bayswater community will vote to secure direct Federal funding for vital projects in our area – like road black spot upgrades and other important infrastructure improvements. When our Constitution was written more than a century ago there was no mention of local government, but because of two recent High Court rulings there is now a threat to the way many local government projects are currently funded. Funding for important community facilities like roads, libraries, sports grounds, recycling stations, child care facilities, community centres and parks is under threat. A YES vote will secure direct Federal funding by making a small but necessary change to our Constitution.

What does that mean for the City of Bayswater? Since 2000, City of Bayswater has received $30, in direct Federal funding. This funding has gone towards: The RISE $10M Proposed upgrade of Tonkin Highway/Collier Road overpass Roads to Recovery - Emberson Road Resurfacing $130,827 Disability Ramp for Maylands Yacht Club $98,000 Bayswater WAVES New Equipment $200,000 The benefits of these projects have included: New Community facilities such as The RISE Improvements to existing facilities such as the Bayswater Waves Aquatic Centre. Safer roads If this referendum is not successful, projects like these will be under threat.

What’s at stake?

Why should the City of Bayswater community vote YES? A YES vote is a vote for keeping things as they currently are. A YES vote will preserve the sort of arrangements that for more than 10 years have funded projects like those you’ve just seen, and programs like Roads to Recovery, which has saved lives by fixing dangerous black spots on local roads. Voting YES simply ensures existing practice can continue – and that’s a good thing for the City of Bayswater community.

Will it pass? Two similar votes have not passed previously, but this time there is an immediate and real risk to Federal funding for important local programs and bi-partisan support. A YES vote was supported by all but two members of the House of Representatives and an overwhelming majority of the Senate because it just makes sense A YES vote is supported by the majority of local councils across Australia Research shows that when people understand the FACTS behind the referendum they vote YES – because it just makes sense.

What happens if it doesn’t pass? Important local projects need Federal funding and voting YES is the only way to secure this. There is no other source to replace this funding. If the referendum doesn’t succeed then funding for things like Roads to Recovery, libraries, sports grounds, recycling stations, child care facilities, community centres and parks will be under threat. If the referendum doesn’t succeed Federal funding would have to go through three layers of government before it gets to the community – which means we won’t get our fair share or have as much say about how that money is spent.

Mythbusting There will be no change to the legal relationship between state and local governments. Local councils will still be accountable to State Governments, as they are now. The current system of consultation and checks and balances for every project will not change. The Federal Government will not be able to tell you what colour to paint your front door.

What’s happening locally? A YES vote is a vote for the City of Bayswater community, so we will be supporting the YES campaign by: Participating in an exciting national launch event Communicating with members of the local community, both directly and through our local media Talking about the great projects we all enjoy that have come about through direct Federal funding Mobilising on the ground support from council and community members Rallying volunteer resources for polling booths

What can you do to help? We need as much support as possible to get the facts out so the City of Bayswater community can make an informed YES vote Talk to your friends and family about this important issues Get active online: search ‘the facts say yes’ Volunteer to hand out information on polling day Contact the City of Bayswater on for more information When people understand the FACTS behind the referendum they vote YES – because it just makes sense.

Questions?