28 February 2006
Local and State Government Get Cultural
Cultural activities across NSW will continue to thrive thanks to an ongoing partnership between State and Local Government. The NSW State Government and the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW will today sign their third Cultural Accord, which includes a new Ministry funding program.
The accord will be signed at Parliament House by the Hon Bob Debus, Minister for the Arts; Cr Genia McCaffery, President of the Local Government Association of NSW; and Cr Col Sullivan OAM, President of the Shires Association of NSW.
"I am pleased to announce that Cultural Accord 3 includes piloting a new approach to funding Local Government that recognises councils which are making a sustained commitment to the arts and culture through a cultural planning framework," said the Minister for the Arts, Hon. Bob Debus. "The Accord also recognises the important cultural collections held by local government, encouraging greater integration of the operation of cultural facilities including libraries, museums and art galleries."
Local Government Association President Cr Genia McCaffery said the Associations had been working in partnership with the State Government in the area of cultural development since 1997.
"Since the first Accord was signed we've seen a significant growth in cultural programs, projects and infrastructure in NSW. Local government leadership and commitment has played a vital role in the ongoing growth of the cultural sector."
"Cultural development is about more than promoting paintings and performance. It is about our communities creating and expressing their identity. Local government makes a substantial investment in cultural development and this partnership will ensure that we are supported by the state in this investment."
Shires Association President Cr Col Sullivan said the Accord would ensure cultural growth was not restricted to metropolitan areas.
"It's vital that rural and regional communities get the same opportunities to celebrate our local identities and participate in cultural activities. Our regional and rural culture is unique and an asset to our communities.
"We know from recent research that ratepayers have strong regard for the cultural services provided by their councils and I am pleased this Accord will help us to continue down that path. Councils are working hard to provide communities with cultural facilities and resources."
The Cultural Accord will operate until 2008. The signing ceremony commences at noon at the Fountain Court, NSW Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney. The Accord document will be available from the Local Government and Shires Associations' website www.lgsa.org.au after 12.30pm.
LGSA Communications Officer: Kendi Burness - 0432 364 993
Cr Genia McCaffery - 0419 404 867
Cr Col Sullivan - 0418 660 276
