Following a decision of members at the IPWEA (NSW) Roads and Transport Directorate Forum held in May arrangements are in hand to hold the inaugural NSW Local Roads Congress. The congress will be held on 5–6 December 2005 at the Carlton Crest Hotel in Sydney.
Invitations are being extended to the NSW Ministers for Local Government and for Roads to address the Congress, as well as senior representatives from RTA and NRMA.
It is anticipated that presentations will cover reporting requirements for the Roads to Recovery Programme, the need to improve asset reporting by Councils in their annual statements and an alternate model for the delivery of asset maintenance services by Councils.
Other States have recognised the need for improved asset management practices and have implemented strategies and programs to address this need. It is essential that NSW recognises this problem and develops long term strategies to manage assets in the future.
The Congress is particularly aimed at Mayors and Councillors, General Managers, Finance Managers and Directors of Engineering. It will provide an opportunity to discuss policy issues that will assist in dealing with the Roads and Transport issues confronting Councils across the State.
The Congress is an initiative of the IPWEA (NSW) Roads and Transport Directorate with the support of the Local Government Association of NSW and the Shires Association of NSW.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Mick Savage, Manager Roads and Transport Directorate, on (02) 8267 3000 or email msavage@ipwea.org.au.
