2018 LGA Conference & AGM | New LGA Board | Drought funding for SA councils | Labor Local Government Reform Bill No Images? Click here Vol 3: Issue 41 - Monday 29 October 2018 It is my privilege to have been elected by the LGA’s member councils to be the new LGA President for the next two years. This period of time will present a real opportunity for us as local government to drive reform and change in our sector, with much attention from both sides of State Parliament, as well as the public, being on us. I recognise that we do many things very well in local government, but there are things that we can do better and I look forward to being a driving force behind the betterment of our sector. We must be more adaptive to the needs of our communities. We must be accountable with our finances, proving to our ratepayers that we are responsible and balanced in our decision-making. We must show vision for the long-term sustainability and future of our communities. We must work thoughtfully with State and Federal government to deliver real progress, reform where it is needed, and stability when it is necessary. We can earn the respect of our communities through accountability and transparency. The LGA as an organisation can strengthen itself by effectively represent its members, with continual constructive input from its members. The LGA represents all councils, and as President I am looking forward to driving the opportunities for change while balancing the strengths which we already have as an organisation, and I invite you all to join with me in continually lifting the qualities of local government. Thank you to all Mayors and elected members who are finishing up at the end of this council term, especially those of you who have given a significant part of your life serving on council – your passion for your communities is important to recognise. To everyone else who is continuing on, I look forward to working with each and every one of you. LGA President Sam Telfer 2018 LGA Conference and AGMIt was great to see so many of you at the LGA Conference and AGM at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre last week. Highlights from the Conference included the entertainment and challenge of Andrew Horabin’s presentation on the importance of straight talking, and an inspiring example of having a go and making change happen from AFL Women’s League pioneer Amna Karra-Hassan. Thursday night’s dinner saw the 2018 Jim Hullick Award presented to Leeanne Redpath from ECSA, as well as years of service certificates given to 16 long serving mayors and councillors:
Friday morning’s keynote address was provided by our Minister Stephan Knoll MP, who talked about working with the LGA and councils on local government reforms in 2019. This is a great opportunity for the sector and I am keen to make the most of it during my term as President. Some of the key outcomes from the Annual General Meeting included:
These actions will be further considered by the LGA Board, with input from SAROC and GAROC, in terms of the resources that are available to progress these outcomes alongside other priorities for the LGA. Draft minutes from the AGM will be on the LGA’s website by the end of the week. New LGA BoardBoth GAROC and SAROC met immediately after our AGM on Friday to appoint their Chairs and representatives to the LGA Board. Naracoorte Lucindale Mayor Erika Vickery OAM was appointed as the Chair of SAROC, and Gawler Mayor Karen Redman was appointed as the Chair of GAROC. Congratulations to Erika and Karen. I am pleased to advise that your new LGA Board is comprised of:
Each of these members will serve a two year term, and I look forward to working with all of them – as well as all of you – to deliver outcomes, programs and services that will benefit councils and the communities we serve. Drought funding for SA councils17 South Australian councils will each be eligible for up to $1 million in Commonwealth grants through an expansion of the Drought Communities Fund that was announced at the Prime Minister’s Drought Summit last Friday. Through this program, councils can apply for funding for projects that will support drought affect communities such as local community infrastructure and other drought relief projects. I would like to thank Kimba Mayor Dean Johnson who represented SA in Canberra at the Summit, as well as Prospect Mayor and ALGA President Mayor David O’Loughlin. The 17 South Australian council areas which are now eligible for the Drought Communities Fund are:
More information about the program is available at this website. Local Government (Ratepayer Protection and Related Measures) Amendment BillLast week SA Labor introduced their local government reform Bill into the Legislative Council. This Bill has in-principle support from the Greens and SA-BEST, and includes a range of reforms that they believe will increase accountability and transparency within our sector. You can download a copy of the Local Government (Ratepayer Protection and Related Measures) Amendment Bill 2018 here. With only four confirmed sitting weeks left before Parliament rises for the summer recess, all political parties will be looking for the LGA’s position on the Bill sooner rather than later. While we are keen to work with the Parliament to make sensible local government reforms happen, we won’t be rushed into forming a position until we’ve properly consulted with our members. A preliminary analysis of the Bill and its proposals will be circulated to council CEOs this week, along with details of how councils can provide feedback. For further information or to submit |