Concerns for ‘future of local government’

Mayors and councillors from across regional NSW have come out fighting after accusations of being “incompetent and not worthy of the money they are paid to serve their communities” in a recent speech delivered by new Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig during question time in State Parliament.

Chair of the Country Mayors’ Association, Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey, said this ‘iron-fisted approach’ has many wondering “is there a future for local government in NSW?”

“Serving as an elected member of a regional community is both a challenging and rewarding task, but it is in no way financially lucrative,” Cr Chaffey said.

“Councillors stand up for their communities because they have a passion for the communities they live in.

“They want a future full of opportunity for the youth of their communities, and they want their community’s dreams and aspirations to come true.

There are many factors that have contributed to the current financial stress in Local Government. The least of them is incompetence by those who serve.

The Country Mayors’ Association says some of the most significant factors are cost shifting from the State to Local Government by successive governments.

• An out-of-touch annual rate review system that does not keep pace with inflation and cost of living increases

• A need for many regional councils to provide for services that would normally be provided by state or federal governments, like child care, aged care, accommodation for police, nurses,
ambulance, emergency services

• Out-of-control cost increases in annual audit costs for many

• Election costs are becoming out of reach for many rural councils

• All funding programs are on hold by the new state government.

According to CMA, the 2021 NSW Local Government elections resulted in a high number of councils not receiving adequate nominations to hold an election. Councillors aged between 60 and 69 make up the largest number serving in NSW, closely followed by 50 to 59 years of age.

“This cannot change without respect, recognition and collaboration by the state government,” chairman Chaffey said.

“Minister Hoenig’s outburst against local government elected members in NSW has left us all feeling frightened for the future of Local Government in NSW.

“The CMA stands firm in its pursuit of equity of service provision for the residents of our communities. We stand united with our members to advocate for residents who choose to call regional NSW home.

“We will continue to work with both state and Commonwealth governments to achieve the best quality of life and provision of services for our residents.

“And on behalf of the CMA executive, I have a simple message for our members – you are appreciated, and you do deserve respect for serving your community.”