The New South Wales Government has announced it will rewrite the Local Government Act in a bid to make it simpler and easier for councils to deliver essential services.

 

State Minister for Local Government Don Page said rewriting the Act will ensure local government ‘is brought into the 21st century’ and is better placed to meet the needs of ratepayers.

 

In his opening address to the Local Government Managers Australia (LGMA) State Conference, Mr Page said the move forms part of the State Government’s attempt to return grass-roots democracy to the state.

 

“We want to ensure the legislation is more easily understood by the people who rely upon it, and that includes the ratepayers and the Local Government sector,” Mr Page said.

 

“What we need is a contemporary, flexible and easily understood Act, written in plain English.

 

“The NSW Act is the longest Local Government Act in Australia – containing more than 550 pages. The Act is a how-to guide for local government and it is imperative that it is as clear and simple as possible.

 

“The Act was written in 1993 and since then it has been amended 178 times – it’s time for a new start,” Mr Page said.

 

Four local government experts have agreed to be part of a new taskforce which will oversee the rewriting of the Act. They are:

 

  • Mr John Turner. Mr Turner will chair the taskforce and was an Alderman and Deputy Mayor of Cessnock City Council between 1981 and 1988. He is also a former member of the Legislative Assembly who has a detailed knowledge and understanding of Local Government.
  • Mr Ian Tiley, a former Mayor of Clarence Valley Council.
  • Ms Gabrielle Kibble AO, who was NSW Director Generals of the Departments of Housing, Urban Affairs, and Planning, Chair of the Heritage Council, Joint Regional Planning Panel.
  • Stephen Blackadder who was the General Manager of Rockdale City Council between 1988 and 2002 and General Manager of Warringah Council until 2007.

 

“The Taskforce will strengthen and streamline the legislation to enhance and remove barriers to efficient service delivery for the people of NSW,” Mr Page said.