LGA Conference 2007

The Local Government Conference was held in Coffs Harbour during the end of October this year. As usual Pittwater Council was well represented by 4 Councillors, of which I was one, and our General Manager. We have become recognised at conference by our strong committment during the discussion of important topics relevant to local government. Pittwater Council successfully moved all 8 of our motions put before the chair. There were some highlights of the conference, one of which was the discussion forum held on the Saturday titled "Global Problem, Local Solutions - leadership on Climate Change". The speakers and questions allowed for some open exchange and it became obvious to all involved that Local Government has a very real ability to influence our communities reaction to the possible effects of climate change. This was also reflected in a great many of the motions put before conference. We heard presentations during conference from Hon Paul Lynch - Minister for Local Government - who I believe holds local government in high regard and I see a very positive working relationship able to be formed. Dr Tony Capon from the Premiers Council and the CSIRO spoke about "Cities, Sustainability and Health". Frank Sartor appeared before us and outlined his visions and achievements for local government, it was obvious during question time that he is certainly not local governments favourite minister!! Richard Torbay was right on the ball with his statement that "Cost Shifting is the biggest impediment to Local Government - well we have been trying to tell State Government that over and over again - maybe someone is listening!! This conference was very successful again, however through my role on the Local Government Executive I will be pushing for some changes in years to come to ensure the motions put before the chair are more strategic and achievable! Some Councils still put forward motions that are only relevant to them, and while they are no doubt of high importance to their community we need to realise that this is a state wide conference with the aim of finding strategic policies and frameworks to lobby other levels of government. I have the full print out of 2007 decisions for any members of my community should you be interested.