Abbott and Chair of the Western Division, Broken Hill Cr Dave Gallagher APM.
Cobar Shire Council last week hosted the 2023 Western Division Councils of NSW annual general meeting and conference.
The annual meeting provides a platform for Local Government representatives to hear from and meet with various Ministers (including the new Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig) and representatives from a range of State Government organisations.
Representatives from the Cobar, Balranald, Wentworth, Broken Hill, Central Darling, Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett, Bogan and Carrathool shires attended.
Following Minister Hoenig’s address, attendees also heard from the Department of Regional NSW Secretary, Rebecca Fox, Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway MLC, Office of Local Government Secretary Brett Whitworth and State Member for Barwon Roy Butler.
Mr Butler spoke about the need to create a more effective partnership between regional councils and government.
“One that keeps the current level of funding going to regional areas, with room to increase it, but is based on a more equitable model of distributing resources and delivering services to the bush,” Mr Butler said.
“A recent survey showed one in five city people are thinking of moving to the country, so it is vital this partnership is fully functioning to ensure the bush can capitalise on the potential boom.
“Many local councils already have solutions to issues that affect their communities but they need to do it in a strong, reliable, collaborative relationship with the State Government.”
Central North Police District Superintendent Gerard Lawson spoke about the rise in youth crime in the region; Transport for NSW Regional Director West, Alistair Lunn outlined some of the projects underway in the region; Western NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Mark Spittal talked about health care in the western region; Ken Harrison from NSW Reconstruction Authority discussed government disaster planning; Gavin Priestly from Public Works outlined current projects.
On Day 2 Ross Earl from Regional Development Australia spoke about opportunities in employment recruitment from overseas; Department of Regional NSW Executive Director of Regional Delivery and Liveability, Ashley Albury talked about the government’s priorities with regards to housing; and Lisa Miller outlined the Department of Energy & Climate Change Impact on Local Government
