THE Local Government NSW annual conference is currently underway in Tamworth, with Moree Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse speaking against a motion that would see a rural rates increase.
The peak body for NSW councils and associated organisations is staging its flagship event at Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre, with hundreds of elected representatives, general managers and senior staff gathered until Tuesday.
The much-anticipated annual conference is the supreme policy-making body of LGNSW, with councillors and mayors from the state’s 128 councils and other related entities, such as county councils and joint organisations, set to consider more than 100 motions this year.
Addressing more than 900 delegates are Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain, NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig MP; NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison and Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, representing Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman and Shadow Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman.
Other speakers include LGNSW president Darriea Turley and Netball Australia chair Liz Ellis, the most capped international player for Australian netball.
The comprehensive program features professional development opportunities for first-time councillors, and plenary sessions with the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), NSW Auditor-General, Office of Local Government (OLG) and NSW Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure.
There are sessions on cyber security and financial challenges and opportunities, as well as a tradeshow and educational workshops to help support delegates in effectively representing communities.
Moree mayor Susannah Pearse spoke against a motion that would see a rural rates increase (image supplied).
LGNSW rural-regional vice-president Phyllis Miller said this year’s annual conference once again highlights the landscape facing the state’s local councils.
“The conference is a wonderful way for councillors and mayors to learn from and support each other and consider new ways to deliver positive outcomes for their communities,” Cr Miller said.
“We have a significant number of first-time councillors following the recent local government elections, so I know they’ll find the conference an extremely valuable professional development opportunity.
LGNSW updates its policy platform annually to reflect resolutions from the annual conference. The conference also informs the organisation’s Advocacy Priorities.
Cr Miller expressed her sincere appreciation to councils for submitting motions on their key priorities.
“We received close to 200 motions this year from councils right across the state. This valuable contribution reflects the diverse range of issues facing our sector,” she said.
“Whether councils are in metropolitan, regional or rural parts of the state, we all share the same goal – delivering the services and infrastructure our communities need and deserve as effectively and efficiently as we can.
“I look forward to continuing to work with councils in the coming year on our advocacy priorities.”
