Each edition we feature the views of a State Local Government Association President. The following is from Councillor Peter Woods, President NSW LGA. Many of the issues facing Local Government in NSW are remarkably similar in scope to those facing Local Government in other States and Territories. Three underlying principles should drive the actions of Councils individually and collectively.
First, we should be ever vigilant in pursuing the interests of the local communities we represent. Protecting the local environment is a key part of this. Waste management is a key environmental issue which will occupy more and more attention by all governments in the future.
Already in my State, recycling programs, despite strong public support, are in danger of collapse. Prices for some commodities, always volatile, have now collapsed. A growing mountain of paper from kerbside collections sits at recycling centres. A strong regulatory climate is needed with a clear requirement for industry to take a life cycle responsibility for the PET, glass, paper and other recyclables it produces.
The second underlying principle is to value our history but also be prepared to redress past wrongs. An important goal of the Federation Centenary Celebrations in 2001 will be to facilitate reconciliation with our indigenous inhabitants.
The Executive of my Association has resolved to unreservedly apologise for the appalling treatment of the Aboriginal people and devastating policies relating to assimilation and family breakup practised over many years. As well, Councils are taking all sorts of initiatives to bring about reconciliation through practical initiatives.
The third principle is to seek continuous improvement in the way we do business and the structures through which we operate. We must promote changes that give us economies of scale but which do not destroy communities of interest.
Work redesign and workplace reform is an area in which the NSW Associations are actively involved through the Local Government Development Program. My Association has also taken the initiative on voluntary structural reform. More than 100 councils out of 177 are considering structural reform. Electronic communication can help.
Although personal contact will always be the most important way to stay in touch, information will increasingly be shared, and decisions will increasingly be made, using new technologies. Electronic communication can even facilitate benchmarking and best practice.
The NSW Associations have launched an electronic information exchange, called Towards Best Practice, to encourage Councils to develop better, more efficient ways of providing quality services to their communities.
Relationships with associations of Councils and individual Councils in other countries also help us to do business better. Stronger international links are essential. Other countries understand this – why is it taking Australia so long to realise and profit from this?
