14 August 2020

Working for you
At this week’s LGNSW Board meeting we are focussed on the key advocacy asks we will put to the State government in the LGNSW pre-budget submission, on your behalf.

Due to be handed down in November, this year’s State Budget will be crucial given the precarious economic circumstances all levels of government are grappling with due to the compounding impacts of drought, bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.

I look forward to sharing our pre-budget submission, which will emphasise issues you have told us are important to you including the need to maintain funding to councils in the interests of delivering locally led recovery and resilience, through stimulus created by infrastructure and services.

We are calling on the NSW government to broaden its tax reform agenda to include the removal of rate pegging and the Emergency Services Levy, changes to rate exemptions, a review of the land valuation methodology, and securing infrastructure contributions. For further information regarding the pre-budget submission email Shaun McBride, Chief Economist or call 02 9242 4072.

Shape our agenda
Your chance to shape the LGNSW agenda and take part in our annual policy-making event, the LGNSW Annual conference, is just around the corner. Voting delegates (all NSW councils and our associate members) must be registered to attend the Conference and be registered as a nominated voting delegate. For information on nominating voting delegates and voting entitlements, see here. Members are invited to submit motions via an online portal. For information on submitting motions, see here. For further information, email Adam Dansie, Senior Manager Workplace Relations.

Help amplify our advocacy work in the lead up to the State budget

• The Federal Government’s waste export bans (starting January 2021) will place added pressure on existing NSW waste infrastructure and systems. LGNSW encourages councils to join the Saving Our Recycling campaign in the lead up to the State budget. Thank you to Narrandera Shire Council and Glenn Innes Severn Council who have resolved this. For further information, email Susy Cenedese, Strategy Manager Environment.

• Well done Strathfield, Canterbury Bankstown and Coffs Harbour councils who recently resolved the motion in support of the campaign calling on NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to ensure local government is represented on National Cabinet. Refer to the Advocacy Kit to ensure our message is heard. Please email Kelly Kwan, Executive Manager, Advocacy to let us know when your council has moved this motion!

Advocacy wins!
After years of advocacy for greater support on cladding, LGNSW welcomed the announcement of the Cladding Product Safety Panel this week. We understand the panel will provide councils, building owners and industry with advice on safe and compliant cladding products and assembly methods. Please email Jane Partridge, Strategy Manager – Planning.

Reminder
Find out more about the government’s updated Model Code of Conduct and Procedures, which simplify the process of appointing conduct review panels and adds stronger deterrents to bad behaviour. It also gives increased power to the Office of Local Government to impose penalties, payment suspensions and disqualification from office for councillors in breach of the Code. Please email Liz Hayes, Legal Officer.

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