The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) said it was looking forward to working with, newly elected New South Wales, Premier Barry O'Farrell.

 

President of the Shires Association, Cr Bruce Miller, said the premier has made many encouraging comments on Local Government throughout his campaign.

 

"In the recent past, councils and the communities they represent have been locked out of decision making far too often,” he said.

 

“It's absolutely essential that the NSW Government consult with councils frequently and we feel very hopeful this will happen with the O'Farrell Government.”

 

According to Cr Miller Premier O'Farrell's support for a referendum seeking the recognition of Local Government to the Australian Constitution and his commitment to review Local Health Networks indicated the new government’s support for councils.

 

President of the Local Government Association, Cr Keith Rhoades believed one of the first priorities must be putting in to action the Coalition's commitment to return local planning decisions to local communities and repealing Part 3A.

 

"Ending cost-shifting, returning local government elections to councils and increased funding for weeds management are some of the other positive commitments that the Coalition has made during their campaign,” he said.

 

Cr Rhodes said there are many other critical issues in local government being addressed quickly by the O'Farrell Government.