28 August 2020

NSW Parliament has resumed and, as you’d expect, it’s a big policy agenda that included the delivery of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry Final Report. We welcomed the NSW Government’s acceptance of all 76 recommendations, in principle, many of which were consistent with our submission.

Thank you to member councils for contributing. Hopefully this will be the catalyst for major change going forward. LGNSW remains steadfast in advocating for more equitable and sustainable emergency services funding arrangements on your behalf. For further information email Kelly Kwan, Executive Manager, Advocacy.

LGNSW continues to prepare submissions and engage with NSW Government departments on major policies impacting local government on your behalf, as prioritised by you, and we welcome member input on the work under way, including:

• Housing Diversity SEPP - update of provisions relating to boarding houses, seniors housing development and provide for three new housing types – build-to-rent housing, student housing and co-living. Submissions due 9 September. For more information, email Jane PartridgeStrategy Manager, Planning and Transport.
• Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) discussion paper on domestic waste management charges levied by local councils. Submissions due 6 October. For further information, email Susy Cenedese, Strategy Manager Environment.
• NSW Productivity Commission Continuing the Productivity Conversation Green Paper focussed on how the Government can cut red tape, streamline regulation, make it easier to do business and boost lagging productivity. For further information, email Shaun McBride, Chief Economist.

Member value add. This week:

• We’ve launched our new website - the latest component of our commitment to constantly improve our service to you. The new site features improved functionality and easy access to essential information whatever device you choose to use. Watch this space for the unveiling of a Members Only section, providing access to exclusive content. Head to our new website now! 
• Not even a pandemic will stand in the way of our coveted events. We’re moving our conferences online so we can still come together to discuss the issues that matter to local government and our communities, while staying safe. Please continue to submit motions, register as voting delegates and sign up to attend, as these elements will still be part of the Annual Conference this year and they will continue to inform LGNSW’s priorities for 2021.

Advocacy Wins! This week:

• $500 million for timber bridge repairs now available. We welcomed NSW Government funding to fix NSW’s 1800 wooden bridges – some of which are more than 100 years old and in poor condition – which is now available to local councils. The Fixing Country Bridges program, the result of LGNSW advocacy (secured as an election commitment). For further information, email Sanjiv Sathiah, Senior Policy Officer, Roads and Transport
• New Green paper on Productivity reform, Continuing the Productivity Conversation, is the latest in a long line of reports to endorse the long-held LGNSW position that rate capping greatly hampers councils’ ability to deliver local services and infrastructure such as parks, libraries, bridges, cycleways and sports centres. While LGNSW doesn’t agree with the Productivity Commission’s views on the pathway to abolishing rate pegging, we welcome the start of the conversation. For further information, email Shaun McBride, Chief Economist.
• Easing of Border restrictions, this is a good outcome. LGNSW has long advocated for proper coordination and consultation around border closures. The government’s new $45 million grant program for small businesses in the 13 Local Government Areas along the NSW and Victorian border is also good news. 

Help amplify our advocacy work

• Join LGNSW in the campaign for the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) to be included on the National Cabinet, on behalf of more than 530 councils across Australia. Thank you, Blue Mountains, Liverpool and Blacktown councils, for passing the National Cabinet Mayoral minute. Refer to the Advocacy Kit and email Kelly Kwan, Executive Manager, Advocacy to let us know when your council has moved this motion!

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