Sunday, 26 October 2008
Premier to Address LGA Conference
25-29 October, Broken Hill Entertainment Centre, Corner Blende and Chloride Streets.
NSW Premier Nathan Rees will address delegates at the annual Local Government Association Conference in Broken Hill at 9.30am tomorrow, Monday 27 October.
"The Premier's attendance is evidence that the Government understands the importance of councils in making our communities work," said President of the Local Government Association, Cr Genia McCaffery.
"We are delighted to welcome him and look forward to hearing how his government is dealing with issues affecting councils and our communities."
In her opening address to conference delegates this afternoon, Cr McCaffery highlighted a range of issues affecting the sector, including skyrocketing election costs, the importance of infrastructure funding, and the impacts of the current financial downturn on councils.
Cr McCaffery said she's relieved the state government policy of rate pegging is finally under review.
"Every community deserves the right and the respect to determine their own plans for the future and set a rate which provides the funds to deliver those plans - which means the removal of rate pegging all together."
The importance of local democracy was also a focus of Cr McCaffery's speech.
"Voters in Wollongong and the other sacked councils, including Broken Hill, deserve the earliest opportunity to pass judgement on the performance of their elected councils.
"And this should be at the next election or within twelve months of the dismissal."
A full version of Cr McCaffery's speech will be available on the LGA Conference website from 10am Monday at: www.lgaconference.lgsa.org.au.
The Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and the Minister for Local Government Barbary Perry will also both address the conference tomorrow morning.
For more information including a conference program, please visit the conference website at: www.lgaconference.lgsa.org.au.
The 2008 Local Government Association Conference is sponsored by Country Energy.
Media Officer: Fay Daoud - 0437 477 567
Media Comment: Cr Genia McCaffery - 0419 404 867
