Advocating for the needs of the local community was on the agenda today when City of Newcastle (CN) played host to the peak organisation representing councils across the state.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes met with Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Cr Darriea Turley AM to discuss local concerns ahead of the upcoming State Government election.
Cr Turley said LGNSW's election priorities and broader advocacy work are informed by the local experience of councils across the state.
"Meeting today with Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and CEO Jeremy Bath was very productive and an opportunity to hear first-hand about the issues most affecting the council and their community," Cr Turley said.
"Our visits to councils across NSW are always crucial as our advocacy priorities, including our current 2023 State Election Priorities, are informed by the local experiences of our state's councils."
Cr Nelmes welcomed the meeting, which she said provided an ideal opportunity to discuss ideas and collaborate on shared issues.
"City of Newcastle has a proven track record of working collaboratively with all levels of government to deliver the current and future needs of our community, including infrastructure, social programs, financial and environmental sustainability," Cr Nelmes said.
"Such collaboration ensures our city continues to grow as a global gateway city and provide liveabilty and prosperity for the community.
"Working with Local Government NSW allows councils across NSW to provide a strong, unified front to advocate for the needs of our community, and communities across the state, for the betterment of all."
Both organisations have released key priorities documents highlighting the critical issues facing the local government sector and detailing the support needed for councils to continue providing the services communities deserve.
This includes calling for the return of 100 per cent of the Section 88 waste levy paid by councils to the State Government, to be reinvested into local recycling facilities, landfill diversion, community education, technology improvements and circular economy opportunities.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss lack of housing supply and affordability pressures impacting communities, potential improvements to the State's planning system and City of Newcastle's own Accelerated DA System, which offers potential benefits statewide to streamline and accelerate determinations of development applications.
