New South Wales Minister for Local Government, Tony Kelly, said recently that the State Government had expected the current reform process to take longer than it has. Speaking at the Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) – NSW Division Annual Conference staged at Batemans Bay in September, he said the amalgamation of Glen Innes and Severn on 15 September left no more ‘donut’ councils in the State.
He described donut councils as a town council surrounded by a shire council, with both councils often having their offices located within the town.
“Last year we had six of these, now we have none,” Tony Kelly said. “But more importantly than the 12 per cent reduction in council numbers has been the emphasis of councils to become more affordable and provide better services to ratepayers.
“All councils are looking at how they might improve their performance by working with neighbouring councils to deliver services. This reform agenda is much more than changing lines on maps. Seventy councils are now part of strategic alliances involving resource sharing.”
The Minister said that these alliances include one council working with its counterpart across the border – Murray Shire and Victoria’s Campaspe Shire.
Tony Kelly told delegates that a code of conduct for elected members and council staff is to be included in the Local Government Act.
“This will clearly set out expected standards of practice,” he said.
The Minister said there is also a need for additional training programs for Councillors and staff, particularly relating to their respective roles and responsibilities.
“There is strong evidence that where things have gone wrong in councils correct training has not been undertaken,” Tony Kelly said. “The Department will be working with the LGMA and Local Government and Shires Associations to address this situation.”
In welcoming delegates to the conference, then President Cliff Haynes said that forums such as this provides the opportunity to reflect on issues such as: Is the current model of Local Government still viable today and how can Local Government have a financially sustainable future?
“The respective role of the Mayor and General Manager is still to be resolved if Local Government is to remain viable and serve its local communities,” Cliff Haynes said.
LGMA’s 2004 Local Government Management Excellence Awards were presented at the Conference Dinner. Parramatta City Council was the winner of the Management Excellence category with its entry Corporate Performance Assessment. Merit awards went to Eurobodalla and Shellharbour Councils. Tumut Council took out the Management Excellence – Rural category with its business arm of Council, Snowy Works and Services.
In the category Excellence in Sustainability within Local Government, Sutherland Shires Council’s Our Guide for Shaping the Shire to 2030 won the major award. Blue Mountains and Kogarah Councils were awarded merits. In the category Governance Excellence within Local Government, Sutherland Shire received a merit award. There was no winner or gold award for this category this year.
