LGA Executive Meeting Oct 07

Hi again everyone. I know it's been a really long time since I have blogged (if that is a word?) but you know how life is - and then of course we had school holidays!! We had a couple of interesting topics discussed at the recent LGA meeting that I would like to share with you all.
** The first is in regard to the Review of Public Lighting Code, of which I sit on the Joint Working Party. This has major implications to all Councils as the review is in two parts. One of which consists of the IPART decision to increase public lighting charges to Country Energy. It is our view that their was insufficient regard given to some items, such as the fact of no effective competition, insufficient detail to establish current cost base and of course our never ending concern re rate pegging. The cost increase awarded was 5.22 % when rate pegging is set at 3.4%. The concern for metro councils is the obvious flow on effect to Energy Australia. IPARTs decision in full is available at www.ipart.nsw.gov.au. Please look it up and let me know your concerns. The second part to the working party is the review of the code, involving street lighting installation, maintenance, technology choice and reporting. The code commenced in January 2006 and was designed to clarify the relationship between councils and utilities. The code was welcome but it is now obvious that implementation timetables have not been met! Stay tuned as I find out more!!
** Another review being undertaken is the NSW Public Libraries Funding Review. I am of the opinion (as are my Pittwater Councillor colleagues) that this review has the potential to further disadvantage our library. Quantum funding continues to be reduced by the government as a whole and now the distribution criteria is being considered for change. This is likely to see a further reduction to Metro Councils in favour of our country councils. While it is recognised they are in need also, our library system cannot continue to survive the increasing demands placed on it with a continued reduction in funding. Please let me know what you think so I can represent your views.