Local Government Reform
Recognising challenges facing the ongoing sustainability of NSW Local Government, the Associations commissioned the Independent Inquiry into the Financial Sustainability of NSW Local Government, which reported in May 2006.
In response to the findings and recommendations of the inquiry, the Associations established the Strengthening Local Government Task Force. In July 2007, the task force has provided to the Associations its position on each of the 49 Inquiry recommendations including actions to address them and recognising work already underway. The LGSA have accepted the majority of these positions.
To access the LGSA position table on the recommendations of the inquiry and for further information visit the Strengthening Local Government website.
The Associations have also been working closely with practitioners, stakeholders and the NSW Department of Local Government to promote a strong and sustainable Local Government system which fosters healthy and vibrant communities and balances social, economic, environmental and cultural concerns. Specific projects include improved long term strategic planning and financial management, asset management and promoting strategic partnerships.
From October 2006, the Minister for Local Government consulted on reform proposals outlined in the following three documents:
A New Direction for Local Government (Opens in a new window) (1.39MB) - A Position Paper, October 2006;
Planning a Sustainable Future (Opens in a new window) (464KB) - A Department of Local Government Options Paper on Integrated Planning and Reporting for NSW Local Councils, November 2006; and
Asset Management Planning for NSW Local Government (Opens in a new window) (184KB) - A Department of Local Government Position Paper, May 2007.
The documents are also available on the DLG website (Opens in a new window).
The options canvassed under the integrated planning and reporting paper and the asset management paper potentially included some of the most important reforms affecting the Local Government sector since the 1993 rewrite of the Local Government Act.
The Associations' submissions to the papers can be accessed below.
LGSA Submission on Integrated Planning and Reporting (Opens in a new window) (1.25MB)
LGSA Submission on Asset Management (Opens in a new window) (91KB)
In May 2009, the Minister commenced further consultations in a draft Bill, Regulation, Guidelines and Manual for Integrated Planning and Reporting. The Associations have responded.
For further information contact: Noel Baum, Strategy Manager on Ph: 9242 4000.
