20 September 2022

Win! NSW Government abandons proposed rezoning appeal mechanism

I start this week’s message with the welcome news that the NSW Government has announced it will abandon its proposal to introduce a “new class of appeals” for land use rezoning proposals following more than two years of advocacy by LGNSW.

This deeply unpopular planning reform was part of the government’s Planning Reform Action Plan and would have introduced a new appeal mechanism to the NSW Land and Environment Court for development proponents who were unhappy with a rezoning outcome.

LGNSW strongly opposed the reform because, if ever adopted, it would have undermined local strategic plans and diminished the important role of councillors in making strategic land local use policy decisions.

Pleasingly, the NSW Government wrote to LGNSW last week advising that it would not be proceeding with its proposed rezoning model at this time and would not be introducing an appeal mechanism to the court.

This is a significant win for locally determined planning decisions and a welcome outcome of our tireless advocacy on behalf of our members.

Vale Michael Webb

It was with great sadness to learn of the passing of former Mayor of Coonamble Shire Council, Michael Webb, who was tragically killed when hit by a falling tree on his property near Walgett on 10 September.

Michael served as a councillor on Coonamble Shire for 15 years, between 2004 and 2019. He was Deputy Mayor between 2004 and 2008 and again between 2010 and 2011, before serving as Mayor between 2015 and 2018.

On behalf of everyone at LGNSW, I would like to pass on my condolences to Michael’s family, friends and all those who worked with him at Coonamble Shire Council.

Have your say with our member survey

LGNSW sent out a member survey last week to all mayors, councillors and general managers, to help us understand how we can improve our members’ experience.

I would encourage everyone to take part in this 10-minute survey as the feedback provided will help us identify how we can improve our membership program for our members.

Once the feedback has been received and collated, LGNSW will share it with all members, along with the actions we will take in response.

A reminder to register for the LGNSW Human Resources Summit

A reminder that our Human Resources Summit takes place between 16 and 18 November at Rydges World Square in Sydney.

This event has been specially designed to provide HR professionals with the practical strategies and insights needed to address key workforce challenges that are facing local government today.

There will be a range of expert speakers who will provide evidence-based insights, as well as the chance to connect face-to-face with the local government HR community and enjoy dedicated networking time.

More information and register

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