Background

The NSW State Government released the Local Government Fit for the Future reform package in September 2014. Key elements of the reform package included:
  • $258 million to assist councils who decide to merge and make the changes needed to provide better services to communities ($153m for Sydney councils and $105m for regional councils);
  • Cheaper finance for councils that can demonstrate to the State Government that they are fit for the future to build and maintain the facilities that communities need;
  • Improvements to the local government system, including the laws that govern it, the way the State works with councils and the support that councils receive.
The Office of Local Government has developed defined criteria and benchmarks based on work done by TCorp and the Independent Local Government Review Panel.

On 26 November 2014, our Council considered a report on the the NSW Government Fit for the Future program and resolved as follows:

  1. THAT it be noted that the Southern Councils Group will cease to exist on 30 June 2015.
  2. THAT Council’s immediate priority is completing analysis in preparation for a Fit for the Future submission.
  3. THAT for the remainder of the Council term Council commits to investment in the maintenance, repair and renewal of its infrastructure assets consistent with its Fit for the Future proposal and completing planned programmes.
  4. THAT Councillors engage with relevant State Members of Parliament regarding funding opportunities for identified projects which are listed below:
A. Council direct responsibilities:
  • Stage 3 Bowral re-distributor Road
  • Enterprise zone/corridor infrastructure
  • Bowral Memorial Hall performance space
  • Regional Art Gallery (Lake Alexandra)
  • Regional Performing Arts Centre
  • Improvements to Aboriginal Cultural Centre
  • The Local Planning Strategy (LPS) and any amendments to WLEP 2010 which result from the review of the LPS
  • Bicycle Strategy
B. Non-Council Assets
  • Hospital (funding for upgrade) – whilst not a Council asset the hospital was identified as a critical asset and service required by the community
  • Wombeyan Caves Road
  • Northern entry and southern exit ramps onto and off the Hume Motorway to/from the Old Hume Highway at Welby
  • PCYC

View the associated Council report (pg138 business paper 26 November 2014) and resolution at www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/2014-council-agendas-and-minutes

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