It was the first meeting held since the former Local Government Association and Shires Association merged into one entity earlier this year.

One of the main topics listed for discussion was the structural reform of local government, and the issues raised in relation to the report handed down by the Independent Local Government Review Panel.

Minister for Local Government Don Page addressed the conference, again stating the government’s position that “there will be no forced amalgamations”.

Professor Graham Samson also made a presentation to the conference.

The issue of local government financial sustainability was raised by many councils and, in particular, the need to lobby for a fairer share of the national taxation revenue through the federal government’s Financial Assistance Grants.

All local governments expressed concern that their share of the tax revenue was progressively declining and has not kept pace with increasing costs.

The conference offered business sessions on the five strategic themes: the local government review, local government financial sustainability, waste, the new planning system, and local and state government relations.

For each of the strategic themes, there were a number of actions proposed. Voting delegates were able to put forward amendments

and further motions.

However, the business sessions were not

fully completed due to a quorum not being

achieved.

At council’s ordinary meeting, Cr

McMahon informed councillors of his disappointment

on how the conference was

presented.

“There were too many public speakers –

all with their own agenda,” Cr McMahon

said.

“There’s a lot of finetuning to be done

and it should stick to business of the conference.

We don’t want to listen to a lot of the

rot that goes on.”

The mayor said he would talk to Cr Keith

Rhoades from Coffs Harbour – who was

elected the first president of Local

Government NSW – adding he would formulate

a letter expressing council’s concerns

about the conference.