6 November 2020
It was great to catch up with the Mayor of Blayney Shire Council, Joint Organisation Chairs’ and Country Mayors this week, and to be able to not only report on our advocacy and service provision but also discuss opportunities for collaboration. The financial sustainability of councils is front of mind for us all, and we’ll continue to work together to help ensure local government can continue to not only support their communities but drive a locally-led economic recovery.
Pathways to Net Zero Emissions Forum
LGNSW was pleased to facilitate this important conversation about opportunities available to councils to take climate action and help bring about lasting change, particularly given major changes in work practices and travel and energy consumption post COVID-19.
Thank you to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for helping make this forum available to mayors, councillors and general managers, as part of the government’s Net Zero Emissions program. It is just the start of LGNSW hosted webinars and forums on this topic in 2021, consistent with the climate emergency declaration following the motion put forward by Ryde, North Sydney, Blue Mountains City, Lismore City, Bellingen Shire and Parkes Shire Councils at last year’s Annual Conference. For more information see news item below or email Susy Cenedese LGNSW Strategy Manager.
Disaster Recovery and Resilience
We know all too well that natural disasters due to a changing climate are a growing risk for all levels of government and much greater investment is needed if we are to protect lives, properties and communities from events like last summer’s fires. It was good to see this reflected in the Royal Commission into National Natural Disasters Arrangements recommendations announced late last week. Advocating for these recommendations to be fully funded and for the Emergency Services Levy on councils to be replaced, with a fairer broad-based property levy, is a top priority for LGNSW.
Latest advocacy wins!
- The Royal Commission into National Natural Disasters Arrangements made 80-plus recommendations, many of which were aligned with LGNSW submissions. The Commission recognised the importance of a locally-led response and the need for state governments to ensure councils are sufficiently resourced to effectively discharge the responsibilities devolved to them. Our calls for the better incorporation of 'build back better' principles into Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, with streamlined application processes were also supported. Refer to LGNSW media release.
- The $29 million expansion of the NSW Government’s Together Home project. We welcomed this announcement and hope that the resulting collaboration between community housing providers, specialist homelessness services and healthcare workers will assist more homeless people to secure housing, health supports and jobs. LGNSW has been calling for increased resources to help combat the homelessness crisis in NSW for some time, in response to the motion moved by Cumberland, Kyogle and Forbes Shire Councils at last year’s annual conference. The LGNSW supplementary NSW Budget Submission spells out the need for the 2020-21 NSW Budget to cater for pressing social priorities at a pivotal time in our economic recovery from COVID such as physical and mental health, drug rehabilitation and Aboriginal incarceration. For more information email Damian Thomas LGNSW Strategy Manager.
Regulatory news
- This week I represented you at a meeting with Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) representatives regarding domestic waste management charges levied by councils, and the costs and prices of interment services in NSW. We know that waste management charges continue to be impacted by many factors outside of council control, including an unstable regulatory environment and the upcoming waste export bans. While proposals to increase transparency of interment and waste charges are supported, LGNSW continues to advocate for light-handed measures that minimise the administrative burden on councils. For more information email Damian Thomas LGNSW Strategy Manager.
- Government response to Upper House Inquiry into the regulation of building standards, building quality and building disputes. It was good to see the Government has given in-principle support for recommendations on combustible cladding, including a more centralised approach and financial support to assist building owners to rectify and remove flammable cladding. This is consistent with our advocacy on the government’s building reform program. We continue to work closely with the NSW Building Commissioner to secure Government leadership and financial support for the building reforms, including cladding.
Opportunity
Call for Nominations for Non-Executive Director of Local Government Super. Expressions of interest are sought from eligible, suitably qualified councillors who wish to be considered for appointment to the Board of LGSS Pty Ltd (LGS), the trustee of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme (Local Government Super). An information pack containing further details about the position and the selection criteria must be obtained by prospective applicants via email to Bilyana Milenkovski at LGNSW. Applications close 25 November 2020.
Reminder
The online Annual Conference is just two weeks away on Monday 23 November and we’ve got an action-packed agenda planned. Conference registration closes Monday 9 November. Given this is the first online conference, we’re running two demonstration sessions to show you how to log into the event and how registered voting delegates can use the voting platforms. Please register for one of the demonstrations which will take place 10am Thursday, 12 November and Friday, 13 November.
I am looking forward to NAIDOC Week, next week. It's an important time to celebrate and reflect on the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme is Always Was Always Will Be. Enjoy!
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