Councils in the far west of the state will maintain their position to remain as full Local Government Councils when they meet with the Minister for Local Government Paul Toole next month.
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Western Division Councils of NSW president Cr John Medcalf said the councils had unanimously decided, on a number of occasions, they would retain their independence but would look for improved services to their community by use of alliances, Regional Organisations of Councils and relationships with neighbouring councils.
Minister for Local Government Paul Toole will be joined by Western Division Councils on December 2 at a summit in Cobar as part of the government’s Fit For the Future reform package.
The summit follows the Western Division Councils of NSW response to the Independent Local Government Review Panel and a request for further discussion about its recommendations.
During the past few weeks the Office of Local Government and Department of Premier and Cabinet have been meeting with individual councils to discuss possible topics for the agenda.
Western Division councils met with Minister Toole during the Local Government Conference in Coffs Harbour last month to put to him some of their concerns about the government’s recommendations and the Fit For the Future options.
Minister Paul Toole said Far Western NSW communities had complex and unique needs and were facing real financial and social pressures.
They needed practical help to deal with these challenges and these will be worked through at the forum.
