16 October 2020

With the 2020-21 State Budget rapidly approaching, LGNSW is urging the NSW Government to follow the lead set by this month’s Federal Budget and to invest in infrastructure stimulus for councils in every corner of the State.

Funding to priority areas such as water, recycling and waste, affordable housing and roads, footpaths and cycleways will generate jobs and support businesses, helping drive a locally led recovery from the economic havoc wreaked by a year of bushfires, floods and the COVID pandemic.

A balanced approach, in which infrastructure investment is complemented by funding for pressing social priorities such as physical and mental health, drug rehabilitation and Aboriginal incarceration, is called for by LGNSW's supplementary NSW Budget Submission. This document drills down into number of specific budget funding priorities for the balance of the 2020-21 financial year and into 2021-22, and follows our Pre-Budget Submission sent to NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet in August. The supplementary submission will be available on our website soon. For further information, email Shaun McBride, Chief Economist.

Advocacy wins! This week: We welcomed some proposed amendments in the Housing Diversity State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) which, if implemented, would  address many of the issues councils have raised about the impact of state policies on boarding houses and seniors living. In our submission, LGNSW strongly opposed the NSW Government’s proposal to permit build-to-rent housing in B3 commercial zones.

Help amplify our sector's advocacy work: Please take the opportunity to write to your local Member in the lead-up to the NSW State Budget, urging the NSW Government to Save Our Recycling by reinvesting the Waste Levy in the purpose for which it is collected. We need a truly circular economy with homegrown waste solutions and new local manufacturing jobs in NSW! Meanwhile, join our campaign. For further information, email Susy Cenedese, Strategy Manager Environment.

Another critical LGNSW campaign needing your support is our National Cabinet representation push, led by ALGA. It’s vital that local government’s voice is heard at the National Cabinet level! Download our National Cabinet Advocacy Kit and email Kelly Kwan, Executive Manager, Advocacy to let us know your council has moved a motion of support for this campaign.

Reminder: Register for the online Annual Conference! I am really looking forward to seeing you on 23 November for this very important local government event, albeit online. We’ve got an action-packed agenda, including addresses from Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock, Opposition Leader Jodi McKay and Greens MLC David Shoebridge. We’re giving you the chance to ask questions in advance of the politicians’ panel: submit your question here.

We’ll also be announcing the AR Bluett Award winners at the conference, along with Outstanding Service Awards. Click here to register now. This is your chance to help shape the policy agenda, so it is really important that you also register your nominated voting delegates and submit motions.

Apply now:  Time is running out for suitably qualified mayors and councillors to nominate to represent local government on the three important NSW Government committees. Applications close on 22 October for:

• Music Festival Roundtable. Established under the Music Festivals Act 2019 to promote a safer environment at music festivals, support the growth of the industry and review relevant legislation, reports and advice. Roundtable members meet four times a year. To apply, please email LGNSW Senior Policy Officer Elizabeth Robertson your CV and expression of interest or call (02) 9242 4028 or 02 9242 4063.
• Food Regulation Forum – three nominees are invited to fill local government positions as members and one position as chair. The forum provides high level strategic advice to the NSW Food Authority on councils’ food safety work, consistent with the Food Act 2003 and the Food Regulation Partnership between councils, food businesses and the NSW Government. The forum meets about three times a year. To apply, please email LGNSW Strategy Manager Damian Thomas your CV and expression of interest or call 02 9242 4063.
• NSW Building Commissioner Steering Committee – the committee contributes to the NSW Building Commissioner's Construct NSW strategy and meets about every two months. To apply, please email LGNSW Strategy Manager Jane Partridge your CV and expression of interest or call (02) 9242 4093.

Committee representatives will be supported by LGNSW staff and are required to report back following each meeting.

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