The financial sustainability of councils and waste infrastructure were two of the critical issues impacting the community that were discussed as representatives from all three tiers of government met mid-October at an event hosted by the Northern Sydney Regional Organisations (NSROC) at NSW Parliament House.
Mayors and councillors from across the NSROC region took the opportunity to discuss local matters with their local MPs including The Hon Alistair Henskens (Ku-ring-gai MP), the Hon Jonathon O’Dea (Davidson MP), and Mr Tim James (Willoughby MP). They also heard from speakers including The Hon Anthony Roberts (Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes), The Hon Wendy Tuckerman (Minister for Local Government and Mayor Carolyn Corrigan (Mayor of Mosman Council and president of NSROC).
Discussion focused on how local government can ensure financial stability to maintain their capacity to deliver the level of service and infrastructure that communities expect and deserve.
“Thriving communities depend on the delivery of high quality local services – be it libraries, roads or recreation facilities,” said Steven Head, general manager of Hornsby Shire Council.
Councils will also require a significant injection of funding for waste and resource recovery activities to meet community aspirations regarding the circular economy and achieve government’s food organics mandate.
“Sydney is in the midst of a waste infrastructure crisis and needs a fully funded strategic waste infrastructure plan,” Mr Head said.
“This could and should be funded by returning a significantly greater proportion of the NSW Government’s waste levy to addressing this critical issue and working with councils.”
Delegates also discussed improving the transparency and probity regarding the appointment of Building and Development Certifiers and were heartened by Minister Roberts’ positive response and willingness to continue the conversation on this important issue.
Other matters canvased by the group included the new Sustainable Buildings SEPP, infrastructure contributions, management of wildlife on development sites and ensuring transparency on planning decisions.
Mayor Corrigan commended the delegates for their contributions to the discussion.
“This morning provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone to better understand and appreciate the value of regional collaboration via ROCs. When the best interest of community is placed at the centre of what we do then balanced decision making will follow,” said Cr Corrigan.
