The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) have welcomed The Greens NSW launch of their 'Reinvigorating Local Government' platform, and have endorsed their proposals for local communities to make local decisions.

 

President of the Local Government Association, Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM, said that he is delighted by The Greens NSW firm stance on returning planning powers to Local Government.

 

"We welcome the recognition by the Greens of the importance of returning local planning decisions to local communities, in particular their support to repeal Part 3A and abolish Joint Regional Planning Panels," said Cr Rhoades.

 

"The Greens are friends of Local Government, and their full response to our NSW Election Priorities was impressive, highlighting their commitment to councils and the communities they serve," he said.

 

"Cost-shifting, rate pegging, lack of infrastructure funding and the erosion of planning powers are some of the recent problems created by the State Government that is crippling councils.

 

"Ultimately, it's the people of NSW who suffer from these actions, and The Greens have acknowledged this.

 

"We look forward to forging a stronger partnership between Local Government and The Greens, and working together for resolution on many of our key issues following the election on 26 March."

 

President of the Shires Association of NSW, Cr Bruce Miller noted that the LGSA have received strong support to their NSW Election Priorities 2011 from the Greens, especially in the area of greater financial autonomy for councils.

 

"We are particularly pleased to see The Greens commitment to improved financial sustainability for Local Government, through the removal of rate pegging and the ceasing of cost shifting onto councils," said Cr Miller.

 

"We are heartened to see The Greens pledge to fight any attempts to force amalgamations of councils and their belief that Local Government is best kept local," he said.

 

"The solutions to the serious funding issues facing Local Government, especially in relation to infrastructure and planning, will not be solved by reducing the numbers of councils.

 

"We demand big changes from the incoming NSW Government and we'll be holding them to account to ensure they deliver up to and beyond 26 March, and we look forward to the support of The Greens on the key issue affection Local Government."