The New South Wales Government has welcomed the decision of the state’s two peak local government bodies to form one consolidated group.

 

State Minister for Local Government, Don Page, said the decision by the members of the Local Government Association and the Shires Association to form a single body would create a stronger voice for councils and enhance the new association’s effectiveness.

 

“One association will make it easier for the State Government agencies to engage with the local government sector, and for the sector to provide consistent and clear advice on important issues. This will be underpinned by a new Intergovernmental Agreement,” Mr Page said.

 

“The new arrangements will ensure that the voices of rural and regional communities will continue to be heard, and be better supported by councils from across NSW. Rural/regional councils and metropolitan/urban councils have an equal voice within a set of rules that continues the democratic principle of membership control.  

 

The Minister noted that NSW Aboriginal Land Councils will continue to be members of the new association.

 

“This is important for the continued development of Land Councils, which represent Aboriginal communities, and deliver services and functions on which NSW Aboriginal communities depend. ‘’