15 February 2022

Narrabri Water Conference a success
I’m writing to you fresh from LGNSW’s successful Water Management Conference in Narrabri late last week, where more than 200 professionals came together to discuss water security, policy, initiatives and trends.

The event reminded me not only of just how productive these in-person events can be, but also how very determined our sector is to prevent a repeat of the water crisis which saw many regional towns facing “Day Zero” back in 2019.

Many thanks to all our presenters, including Resilience NSW Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons AFSM, to our wonderful sponsors who make events such as this possible and, of course, to the participants who contributed so much experience, expertise and energy to this event.

Minister backs our call for an extended Water Funding Program
In my address to the conference I called on your behalf for the NSW Government to renew funding for the Safe and Secure Water Program.

This $1 billion regional infrastructure co-funding program, established in 2017, has co-funded a wide range of eligible water and sewerage council and local water utility projects in regional NSW, delivering substantial improvements to public health, water security, and environmental outcomes to our communities.

But according to Dr Jim Bentley, CEO Water at the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE), the initial $1 billion allocation is close to being exhausted, with just $50 million left in the kitty. I’m pleased to report that our call for a further $1 billion injection over the next five years was well received by NSW Water Minister Kevin Anderson, who has made a commitment to support our call for ongoing funding for this incredibly valuable program.

$15.23 million for Crown Reserve Improvements
In fact, Kevin Anderson just might be one of our favourite NSW Government Ministers this week, with his announcement that the Government will inject more than $15 million from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund into more than 250 projects to maintain and upgrade Crown Land reserves and community facilities across NSW.

This announcement is in full alignment with LGNSW’s advocacy priority of boosting funding to local and community infrastructure. Facilities such as parks, community halls, nature areas, showgrounds, sporting facilities, campaign areas and walking tracks are so important to the wellbeing of our communities as well as providing a much-needed boost to local economies and tourism.

ALGA Pre-Election Campaign
Mayors, councillors, general managers and council staff are all invited to attend a free online briefing next month with our national counterparts, the Australian Local Government Association, in the lead-up to the Federal election.

The Federal Minister for Local Government, Kevin Hogan, and our Shadow Minister, Jason Clare, have been invited to outline their party’s achievements and commitments to our sector in the lead-up to the election, and to answer questions.

Dates are still being finalised, and I’ll ensure information on how to register is included in future editions of The Weekly.

Special Conference Update
We’re all eagerly awaiting advice from Premier Dominic Perrottet, who has foreshadowed his expectation that the majority of COVID-related restrictions will be lifted on 27 February. 

The move will come just in time for LGNSW’s Special Conference at the Hyatt Regency Sydney, which kicks off the following day with local government-focused workshops on Closing the Gap, rural and regional health, domestic violence and, of course, our Politician’s Panel.

This Thursday marks the final 17 February deadline for the registration of Nominated Voting Delegates. Don’t forget: registration of Voting Delegates is a separate process from conference registration and should be undertaken via the web form.

Our voting delegates will play a key role in helping to determine local government’s advocacy priorities for the year and I’m confident we’ll leave the Conference with a raft of powerful resolutions that will help us drive a much-needed locally led recovery.

The Business Paper is now available for download and printing from the conference website.

We’re expecting a terrific conference turnout this year, and following the experience at our Narrabri Water Management Conference I can’t wait for the energy and cross-pollination that will flow as a result of the sector finally being able to come together again in person rather than online.

Rest assured that LGNSW remains fully committed to ensuring a safe event for all participants and we’ll be following the latest government guidelines on safe events and social distancing.

Finally – given yesterday was February 14 – I’m sending out belated Valentine wishes to all those hardworking councillors and staff who really are the quiet achievers for their communities. As your association, we love and appreciate the time you invest and the commitment you bring to your roles. You are the ones who put the “local” into local government and we look forward to supporting you in the year ahead.

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