NSW Local Government Minister Don Page has thanked the general managers of the State’s councils for their positive approach to change in the local government sector, and called on them to work with other council leaders to achieve that change.

Addressing the Local Government Managers’ Association (LGMA) annual conference in Sydney, Mr Page emphasised the general managers’ important leadership role in local government and said he is pleased they will be a partner in driving modernisation.

“Since becoming Local Government Minister, I have heard repeated calls that reform in the sector is needed so councils are better placed to respond to the changing needs of our communities,” Mr Page said.

“I am pleased that the LGMA is keen to be a partner in driving that reform.

“The timing of your conference is welcome – just days after you and other leaders of local government attended the historic Destination 2036 conference, at which you discussed and committed to reforming the sector so it is robust and sustainable in the future.

“Many of you participated and contributed to the Draft Action Plan for future change in local government which was drawn up after it, a Draft Plan which your Association will review, with the Local Government and Shires Associations and the NSW Government.

“You have been offered a key leadership role in driving change in your sector and I urge you to accept it – we have made the first difficult step on this journey together.”

Mr Page told the managers that the key strategic initiatives in the Draft Action Plan were:

- Continuing to improve the relationship between the State Government and local government, including a review of the intergovernmental agreement
- A commitment to review the legislative framework to ensure local government can meet the needs and challenges facing communities in the future
- A commitment to clarify the key functions and responsibilities of councils
- Recognising that a variety of operating models for local government are needed, that can be applied in the differing circumstances of remote, regional, rural and Sydney basin councils – because one size does not fit all
- A need to develop new funding models to ensure financial viability of councils
- An endorsement to strengthen regional collaboration and resource sharing
- A commitment to improve the process by which voluntary boundary alterations can be accommodated.