Local Government NSW (LGNSW) has released 10 election priorities for the 2023 NSW State Election, which detail the commitments it wants to see at state level to ensure councils can continue to provide the services their communities deserve.
It is asking all candidates to commit to the priorities it has set out.
They are: financial sustainability; resilience to natural disasters; roads and infrastructure; housing and homelessness; environment and the circular economy; intergovernmental agreement; stronger communities; rural, regional and community health; planning; and skills and labour shortages.
LGNSW President Darriea Turley said the election was taking place at a critical juncture for local government.
“Local government is a key economic driver for NSW,” Turley said.
“Councils across NSW employ 55,000 people, look after $177B of community assets and most importantly are the beating heart of the communities they represent.
“But despite the sector’s vital importance, councils are at breaking point due to a myriad of challenges that need urgent attention.
“Our financial model is not fit-for-purpose with a rate cap methodology that is detached from the economic reality.
“Meanwhile, years of extreme weather events has caused extensive damage to our road network and infrastructure.
“In addition, a challenging economic outlook is causing tremendous stress on the communities that we serve, leading to cost-of-living pressures and an affordable housing crisis.
“This is all occurring as the ability of councils and communities to determine what development occurs in their own area continues to diminish.”
Turley said the Association’s election priorities detail these challenges while providing a golden opportunity for all sides of politics to finally partner with local government to deliver the outcomes communities expect and deserve.
“Crucially, the priorities include measures that are not just critical to our short-term future, but also for the benefit of future generations as we face shifting demographics and a changing climate,” Turley said.
“We look forward to working with all parties and candidates in the lead-up to the March election to ensure these priorities come to fruition.”
Source: Media release, Dec 16, 2022, Local Government Association NSW