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Monday, 2 June 2008

Local Government Paves the Way for Change

2008 Annual Shires Conference: 2 - 4 June, Sofitel Wentworth Hotel, 61-101 Phillip Street, Sydney

Councils across the State will be called on to 'take the bull by the horns' and find solutions to some of the issues facing the sector, rather than relying on other spheres of Government.

During the opening of the annual Shires Association Conference in Sydney tomorrow morning, the President of the Association Cr Bruce Miller will warn councils that they either have to lead change within the sector or have inappropriate change thrust upon them.

"This year's conference, with the theme 'Accentuating the Positive' is the cornerstone for councils recognising where there are problems within the sector and tabling real solutions," Cr Miller said.

"We're going to take the bull by the horns and set the agenda, rather than be railroaded into following someone else's.

"There are of course cases where the solutions have to come from other spheres of Government - for example cost shifting and the Government's pro-developer planning laws.

"But we have to accept that in other cases the cavalry is not coming and it's a chance for us to prove to our communities that we are the strongest and best voice they have."

Changes to planning laws, the impact of drought on communities and lack of funding for public libraries will also dominate debate at the conference.

Several State Ministers will address the conference, which will be attended by the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Marie Bashir, hundreds of councillors, industry and government representatives.

All media are welcome to attend.

Tuesday 3 June:

  • 9:15am - Official opening address by Professor Marie Bashir AC, Governor of NSW
  • 9:25am - Address by Cr Bruce Miller, President of the Shires Association
  • 9:50am - Address by the Hon Paul Lynch MP, NSW Minister for Local Government

Wednesday 4 June:

  • 9:00am - Address by the Hon Frank Sartor MP, Minister for Planning and Minister for Arts
  • 9:30am - Address by the Hon Eric Roozendaal MLC, Minister for Roads
  • 10:00am - Address by the Hon Nathan Rees MP, Minister for Water
  • 11:00am - Address by Leader of the Opposition, Barry O'Farrell MP

Media Officer: Fay Daoud - 0437 477 567
Media Comment: Cr Bruce Miller - 0428 689 934

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