Rural councils in the Riverina/Murray region have met to discuss key issues including the review of the draft Code of Conduct for councillors, and the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

 

President of the Shires Association of NSW, Cr Ray Donald said the current Model Code of Conduct is a lengthy, cumbersome document written in bureaucratic jargon, which is far too detailed to act as an easy reference for councillors and is a deterrent to people thinking of standing for Local Government elections.

 

"The Code of Conduct we have proposed is written in plain English and in a similar style to the Code of Conduct of Members of Parliament and the Pecuniary Interest Register - a two page document."

 

"One has to wonder why the current Code for councillors is 30 pages plus, compared to the brief Code for State MPs which fits on one page - despite the fact that Ministers, MPs and councillors represent communities, are answerable to them at regular elections, and whose roles have many similarities."

 

Regarding the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, Cr Donald said the Shires Association of NSW wants to ensure that the voice of the community is being listened to.

 

"The storage of water when it's plentiful needs to be a priority for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), and we need to develop infrastructure in order to lessen the financial and socio-economic pressure in local communities."

 

The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA)  is calling for a comprehensive and localised socio-economic impact analysis, structural adjustment assistance to ensure that funds remain in support of regional economies, and a guarantee of town water supplies, to ensure communities, particularly in regional and rural areas, can maintain adequate living standards.

 

Other issues discussed were Constitutional Recognition of Local Government, the Destination 2036 Draft Action Plan, Local Government Elections, the impact of the carbon tax on councils, shortages of medical practitioners in rural areas, uniform truck loading restrictions, funding local walking/bicycle paths; and local policing in small communities.

 

Councils representated at the meeting were Berrigan, Carrathool, Conargo, Deniliquin, Griffith, Hay, Jerilderie, Leeton, Murray, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, and Wakool.