The NSW Minister for Local Government Don Page has called on all NSW Councils to develop ways to modernise and be more sustainable.

Speaking at the Shires Association’s annual conference in Sydney today, Mr Page praised Councils for their willingness to evolve and develop plans to deliver good local government services to ratepayers in a modern world.

“This is about embracing change, accepting that methods will change, and meeting any future challenges for local government that might present themselves,” Mr Page said.

“Local government must be more sustainable and efficient moving forward. Improving Councils’ ability to deliver services more effectively must be a high priority for all of us.

“The community voted for the NSW Liberals & Nationals because they want real change and we are committed to working in partnership with local government, giving it the support it needs to deliver that change.”

Mr Page said the NSW Government’s commitment to assisting Councils in their efforts to embrace change has already begun.

“One of the first Acts of the NSW Government was my Bill to give democracy back to the people of Wollongong and Shellharbour Councils,” Mr Page said.

“Part 3A of the Planning Act has been scrapped, returning powers over development to our local communities and their elected representatives.

“We have started a Council-by-Council audit of required infrastructure projects.

“We have dissolved interim planning panels in various communities across NSW, in both city and rural areas, and most recently in Wagga Wagga.

“And our Library Amendment Bill 2011 will allow Councils to pool their resources to deliver regional library services.”