Is it the role of local government to divide their own communities?

But we must ask ourselves how far do we go on controversial issues that do not necessarily have majority support in the community? 

And how much energy do we burn up pursuing things that we cannot control or influence?

Issues like mobile phone coverage, National Broadband Network services and the management of crown land are all the domain of other levels of government but have a direct impact on the daily lives of many local people.

Usually, these types of issues don't see people marching in the street, with the usual rent-a-crowd out and about ready to protest for the sake of it.

Until recent times, these types of things would be on the agendas of various local government bodies, and collectively there seemed to be unison in trying to attain improved services from the responsible bodies. 

Across this part of the state, there seems to be little change in attitudes and emphasis on what are the important issues for local government to deal with, for example trying to improve the physical infrastructure that is within the control of councils.

But across the state and in many areas within Australia there seems to be a rise in the number of councillors who want to pursue issues outside the traditional role of councils and local government. 

The main topics at the moment seem to revolve around Australia Day and who people can legally marry, perhaps even how many people one should be allowed to marry.

This is usually justified by surveying a minority to get the result you want, then believing it because it fits in with your own thinking. 

Minorities expect their own way, so as not to offend them. But little regard is often given to the large numbers who then are offended as a result.

Is it the role of local government to divide their own communities? 

We all have to live here, we are known personally to a large percentage of the voters. 

Is it not best to leave these issues to the responsible authorities and let them fight it out?

Councillor Bruce Meyer is the mayor of West Wimmera Shire Council.