The Local Government Minister, Tony Kelly, will be the keynote speaker at a conference looking at structural reform options being implemented by Councils in New South Wales. The Councils Working Together Conference will be held in Wellington on 24–26 June. It is being hosted by the Strategic Alliance of Wellington, Blayney and Cabonne Councils.
It will examine a range of options being pursued across the State, including strategic alliances, group buying alternatives, joint initiatives and collaborative arrangements.
The Minister has urged Councillors and senior Local Government staff to attend.
“I strongly recommend this conference to anyone serious about structural reform and exploring other options available,” Tony Kelly said.
One of the key themes of the conference will be Partnerships, Prosperity and Progress.
“This reflects the growing recognition by Councils that a balance between effective partnerships can lead to profitable, sustainable business opportunities,” said Strategic Alliance Chairman and Cabonne Mayor, Councillor John Farr. “This conference aims to develop a platform of current best practice principles for Council management and the use of Council resources, as well as examining methods of effective cost sharing. I believe it will be a very valuable tool, particularly for newly elected Mayors and Councillors at a time when Local Government is experiencing significant changes.”
In addition to the Local Government Minister, speakers will include NSW Shires Association President, Councillor Phyllis Miller; Local Government and Shires Association General Secretary, Bill Gillooly; and the Mayor of Mansfield in Victoria Councillor Don Cummins who will comment on the Victorian experience.
The format involves a Conference Dinner in the evening of 24 June 2004, the full day Conference and barbecue dinner the following day and an optional session in the morning of Saturday 26 June 2004. Three registration options, ranging from $165 for the Conference only package to $295 for the full package including the Conference dinner and Saturday morning program, are available.
Places at the Conference are strictly limited and can be booked by calling Wellington Visitor Information Centre on free call 1800 621 614.
