State-Local Relationship Strengthened
Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) and the NSW State Government have welcomed a new agreement to guide relations between State and
local government.
The Intergovernmental Agreement to Guide NSW State-Local Government Relations on Strategic Partnerships was signed in April by Premier Barry O’Farrell, Local Government Minister Don Page, and LGNSW Joint Presidents Keith Rhoades and Ray Donald.
Mr O’Farrell said the agreement heralded a new era of cooperation between state and local government.
‘It’s a commitment to work together to achieve strong communities through partnerships,’ Mr O’Farrell said.
LGNSW Joint President Ray Donald said there had been a lack of dialogue between state and local government in the past.
“We have been asking for this IGA for a long time, and the signing of today’s Intergovernmental Agreement is a truly historic event, marking the improved relationship between both spheres of government in NSW.”
Taskforce to cut red tape
Local Government Minister Don Page said 2013 would be an exciting year for local government.
“With the signing of this Agreement, we will be well placed to work with local government in this challenging and rewarding year ahead,” he said.
A number of reform initiatives currently being implemented include the Local Government Acts Taskforce, which has released a discussion paper on possible changes to the Local Government Act 1993 and the City of Sydney Act 1988.
The discussion paper outlines four areas of reform: guiding principles for local government in NSW; a strategic framework for local government in NSW; council operations, and; tribunals and commissions.
LGNSW has welcomed the latest blueprint, which aims to simplify legislation governing councils and reduce red tape.
Taskforce chairman John Turner said the Taskforce had produced the discussion paper following months of extensive consultation with the local government community, along with its own research and deliberations.
Mr Turner said integrated planning and reporting, which was introduced into the Local Government Act in 2009, should be the ‘central theme’ for the revised Act.
‘The Taskforce proposes that integrated planning and reporting be elevated to form a central plank of the new Act as the primary strategic tool which enables councils to fulfill their leadership role and deliver infrastructure services and regulation based on community priorities which have been identified by working in partnership with the community, other councils and the State,’ he said.
The discussion paper, which is available from the Taskforce webpage at www.dlg.nsw.gov.au, has called for public feedback on a number of areas including public land management, capital expenditure framework and appointment and management of staff.
