Hill Shire Mayor says LGNSW Conference a Waste of Time

According to News Local http://newslocal.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx#

The recent Local Government New South Wales conference was “a waste of time” according to The Hills mayor Michelle Byrne.

Dr Byrne made the claim during her Mayoral Minute at last week’s The Hills Shire Council meeting, frustrated by the attitude against local government reform, especially amalgamations.

The mayor also said council should reconsider if it is worthwhile being a member of LGNSW.

During the discussion, it was revealed council paid $20,000 to attend.

“As the peak industry body, LGNSW should not be opposed to change and reform when it is needed most,” Dr Byrne said.

“On top of all this, the conference was a complete waste of time for The Hills Shire councillors and senior staff who attended.”

A motion was moved by Dr Byrne and seconded by deputy mayor Andrew Jefferies to speak to other mayors regarding future membership of LGNSW, which was supported unanimously, with some councillors labelling the conference a “disgrace”.

Balmoral Border Protection Unit

'we will fight them on the beaches'

'Mosman is a village in itself'

'created a community which you can stay in forever'

Enhanced Role for Local Government Boundaries Commission

The SMH this week reported on Professor Sansoms's speach to the Local Government Conference. 
http://keepitlocal.net.au/boundary-changes-mergers-likely-state-shake-nicole-hasham-smh/

‘Professor Sansom said the term “no forced amalgamations” needed clarifying, asking “is it a forced amalgamation if there has been a proper business case analysis and a recommendation is made by a genuinely independent body?” Appearing to pave the way for such a body, he said the final report would recommend an “enhanced role” for the Local Government Boundaries Commission to ensure “evidence-based, impartial assessment of possible mergers and boundary changes”.’

Perhaps this a way for residents to be given an opportunity to consider proper proposals to merger with  neighbouring councils.  Clearly any proposal, to join Mosman and say North Sydney Councils, left solely in the hands of existing councillors would be undermined and doomed to failure.