The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) will become one single association called Local Government NSW (LGNSW) this Friday 1 March 2013, representing all 152 councils throughout NSW.

President of the Local Government Association of NSW, Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM, said 2013 is proving to be a year of review for the Local Government sector in NSW, so it’s of great benefit to councils throughout the state that they have one united organisation lobbying on their behalf.

“The decision to create a single peak body representing NSW councils will considerably strengthen Local Government in NSW, particularly when it comes to influencing other spheres of government on legislation and important policy issues.”

“Historically, the Local Government Association and the Shires Association of NSW have represented metropolitan/regional councils and rural councils respectively, coming together on common policy issues, industrial relations matters and other member services provided by the LGSA.”

“Becoming Local Government NSW will remove any confusion for external stakeholders, bolster our ability to service and lobby on behalf of the 152 NSW councils, and consolidate the standing of the NSW local government sector within the Australian political system,” he said.

President of the Shires Association of NSW, Cr Ray Donald, said the new association, Local Government NSW, will hold its first annual conference from 1 – 3 October 2013, where delegates will vote on the 24 person Board, including the President, responsible for the affairs of the one association.

“In the meantime, an Interim Board comprising the Office Bearers of the LGSA will continue to hold regular meetings to map out the way forward for Local Government NSW.”

“Joining forces to become Local Government NSW also presents the perfect opportunity to review how we operate and what our member councils want and need from our organisation,” said Cr Donald.

“Members of the Interim Board and Local Government NSW staff will be visiting many member councils over the next six months to gain their input into the various issues affecting Local Government across NSW and help Local Government NSW determine how it can best service its member councils.”

“Both the Shires Association of NSW and the Local Government Association of NSW have resolved in previous annual conferences to unite as one organisation. I would like to thank the members and all the current and former Executive Committee members of both associations for their support in this historic decision to become Local Government NSW”.

For more information on the LGSA’s plans to form one association, visit: http://www.lgsa.org.au/key-initiatives/one-association