12 October 2021
Campaign launch: Say No to the Contributions Cash Grab
LGNSW has gone public with our statewide Say No to the Contributions Cash Grab campaign.
The NSW Government has yet to back down on proposed rule changes, which would see developer contributions bypass councils and go straight to the State Government, with no guarantee the money will be spent in the area from which it is collected.
The move has already been opposed by more than half of all councils in NSW, from Blacktown and Mosman in the city to regional and remote councils such as Broken Hill, Uralla and Hay Shire.
Even developers oppose the proposal, which was described by the Urban Task Force as a ‘tax grab from new home buyers, developers and local councils and their communities’.
Our communities need to know what they stand to lose if this proposal goes ahead. You can access assets to help get the word out at the campaign website.
IPART: NSW Government’s Boast of $250 Million Gain for Councils not the Full Story
The NSW Government has announced it has accepted IPART’s recommendations to incorporate population growth in determining local rates.
In isolation, this would seem good news, but the Government seems determined to link this move to the developer contributions changes outlined above.
We strongly oppose any attempt to increase rates on one hand, while reducing developer contributions to councils on the other.
IPART’s recommendations were based on the costs of growth, independently of the development contributions system, and we urge the Government not to hijack these recommendations by shifting the cost of infrastructure to ratepayers.
LGNSW Environment Awards 2021 Finalists announced
Congratulations to all the 35 finalists across 14 awards in this year’s LGNSW Environmental Awards, our annual event celebrating the leadership and initiatives of local government in protecting and preserving our State’s natural environment.
This year’s finalists include innovative projects such as proofing residential development for climate change, renewable energy installations, protecting endangered habitats and recovering glass to reuse in manufacturing glass tiles.
Winners will be announced in an online ceremony on November 16.
National Anti-Poverty Week
National Anti-Poverty Week (APW) is 17-23 October and this year LGNSW will joining with the NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) and partners to highlight the already precarious housing situation for many women in NSW.
The campaign – A Pink Hi-Vis Recovery – urges the NSW Government to boost investment in social housing and domestic violence and homelessness services, to support women in need, help local communities build back after COVID, and grow the broader NSW economy.
These are key issues that have arisen through LGNSW Annual Conference Resolutions time and again in recent years and aligns with key LGNSW advocacy, including our 2021 Budget submission.
If your council is planning activities during APW please email [email protected] so NCOSS can share it on its website and through social media. The LGNSW contact for this matter is Damian Thomas, Strategy Manager, Social and Community.
Ministerial changes
There were a number of changes to the NSW Government Ministerial line-up in the past week.
First, I want to thank outgoing Deputy Premier John Barilaro for his hard work and service. The Deputy Premier recently took time to meet with LGNSW and mayors and councillors from around the State to discuss COVID concerns, and his input was greatly appreciated.
I congratulate Paul Toole on his appointment to the role of Deputy Premier and leader of the NSW National Party, and Matt Kean on his appointment to NSW Treasurer while retaining his role as Minister for Energy and Environment. LGNSW is looking forward to working together with both to help drive a locally led economic recovery.
Finally, Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes has taken on the additional responsibilities of the Transport and Roads portfolio. This is a vital area for councils, particularly in relation to the road transfer program, and LGNSW looks forward to working together with the Minister in the future.
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