By Lilia Guan Infrastructure shortages are hampering the growth of New South Wales, claimed Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell at the Property Council of Australia's (NSW) Great Growth Debate, held this week in Sydney. Mr O'Farrell remarked that if the Harbour Bridge were to be built in this modern day then “nothing would get done”, because it […]
12 November, 2010
Mayor of Coffs Harbour, Keith Rhoades, has been elected as the new president of the Local Government Association (LGA) of New South Wales. LGA members elected their new office bearers and executives at the association's annual conference in Albury this week. Cr Rhoades replaces North Sydney Mayor Genia McCaffery, who after six years of leading the association […]
27 October, 2010
By Angela Dorizas Local government’s campaign for constitutional recognition has gained momentum, with the signing of an intergovernmental agreement between the NSW State Government and the Local Government and Shires Associations (LGSA) on Monday. The formal signing of the agreement took place at the annual conference of the Local Government Association in Albury. It establishes […]
25 October, 2010
Councils in New South Wales have welcomed the State Government’s decision to amend its proposed policy on development contributions. Planning Minister Tony Kelly announced on Tuesday that a number of new measures would be introduced following consultations with key stakeholders. The development contributions cap will remain at $20,000 for established areas, but in greenfield sites […]
31 August, 2010
Councils in New South Wales will be represented by one single body following the proposed merger of the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Shires Association (SA). More than 260 representatives from 123 councils gathered at the One Association Convention in Sydney on Monday to vote on the future of their associations. Delegates voted overwhelming […]
17 August, 2010
From left-right: Cr Alan Ward, Parkes Shire Council; Cr Genia McCaffery, President of the Local Government Association of NSW; Minister for Local Government Barbara Perry; Kelly Hendry, Parkes Shire Council tourism manager; and Michael Tyler, Country Energy. Image: LGSA. Events including the annual Elvis Parkes Festival and a campaign against e-waste were recognised in […]
5 August, 2010
The Local Government and Shire Associations of NSW (LGSA) has launched a series of workshops to help councils plan for climate change. The Climate Change Action Planning for Local Government workshop package is designed to self-assess and create strategies that are suitable to their local circumstances. Many NSW communities have already experienced the climate changing […]
16 July, 2010
NSW councils have raised concerns with a proposal announced by the State Government that allows developments in small lots to be approved in 10 days with no consultation. Community feedback is being sought on NSW Government plans to slash approval times for new homes and home extensions on small lots by up to 190 days, […]
6 July, 2010
Changes to infrastructure funding will force New South Wales councils to increase their rates or defer basic community infrastructure, the Local Government and Shires Associations have warned. Local Government Association president, Genia McCaffery, said councils were considering refusing new DAs that require development contributions until they work out how to fund shortfalls resulting from changes […]
10 June, 2010
By Angela Dorizas Local government has welcomed the release of the Henry Tax Review and the Rudd Government’s decision to reject an expansion of land tax to all landowners. In its response to the long awaited review of Australia’s tax system, the Government adopted four of the 138 recommendations. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Treasurer […]
3 May, 2010
By Angela Dorizas The demolition of an historic homestead in inner-west Sydney has raised serious concerns about New South Wales planning legislation. The National Trust has warned that the destruction of the 1913 property in Burwood Heights, known as ‘Tilba’, may well be the tip of the iceberg. National Trust NSW advocacy manager Graham Quint […]
19 April, 2010
NSW councils would back any plans to restrict trading hours to prevent alcohol-related violence, the Local Government and Shires Association (LGSA) has said. The LGSA said that the State Government should consider restricting trading hours in pubs and clubs, including lockouts and prohibition of various drinks. "Alcohol related violence in the community is a huge […]
1 April, 2010
By Rob O’Brien NSW councils have asked the State Government to make a firm financial commitment to its latest plan to address transport infrastructure. Welcoming the announcement of the Metropolitan Transport Plan for Sydney, the Local Government and Shires Association (LGSA) said that projects needed to get underway immediately. “We’re pleased the government has listened to […]
23 February, 2010
By Angela Dorizas Delivery of vital community services in New South Wales is under threat following the State Government’s decision to reduce the rate cap to only 2.6 per cent, according to the Local Government and Shires Associations (LGSA). The rate-peg sets the maximum income that NSW councils can collect from rate revenue. Annoucing the […]
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