In each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Councillor Bruce Miller, President of the New South Wales Shires Association.
The New South Wales State Government has been attempting to reduce the amount of funding, and take away Council control of spending on crucial community facilities like parks, swimming pools, libraries and childcare centres. On my recent excursions to divisions across the State, I have heard clear dismay from many rural and regional Councils regarding these planning changes.
The Government plans to take away a substantial proportion of section
94 funds raised from new residential developments, and what is left, in a climate of ratepegging, they want to take control of this.
Rural and regional Councils have few dusty roads left to travel for making up funding shortfalls. This means delays and in some cases, cancellation of major new projects or significant upgrades to current community facilities. Rural and regional Councils have saved their pennies over many years to fund various community projects.
The changes proposed risk bad development, loss of character in community, and disgruntled ratepayers. Not to mention loss of jobs and the Government’s laughable claim that developers will pass on savings to homeowners – we have no guarantee of that.
The very simple proposal of a state wide design code that will apply to all residential developments in Council areas as diverse as Bourke and Balmain is complete nonsense.
I have assured country Councils of the Associations’ commitment to reiterate the many benefits of local control and the adverse implications of planning changes to the
State Government.
At the recent Leaders Forum in January, Councils agreed that we would refuse to hand over our Council’s section 94 funds to the Government. That day we showed a united and passionate front, and we had the Government and public’s attention.
Currently, the Associations wait for confirmation from the State Government to clarify its position on developer levies, and news on a meeting with Treasurer Michael Costa and Minister Frank Sartor.
The Treasurer claims that Council’s investment practices are the reason the Government is taking away control. Clearly this is highly unfair, as many other public and private institutions have been exposed to Collateralised Debt Obligations (CDOs)
The Association supports clear guidelines on the conduct of investment and Councils will continue to meet the challenge of financial sustainability whatever the Government may throw at us.
In addition to welcoming revised guidelines on investment practices, the Association has worked on an alternative development model which has been submitted to the Government.
Through this united front and persistent campaigning, and with community support, I sincerely hope the State Government will see sense.
