1 November 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council put forward six motions to discuss and debate at the Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) Annual Conference held in Albury this month.

The conference is a platform for Local Government to raise motions that will, once passed, become Local Government Policy.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey, General Manager Eric Groth and Councillor John Campbell represented Gunnedah Shire Council at the Conference, which was held from Saturday, 20 October to Tuesday, 23 October 2018.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah Shire Council put forward six motions, with all six successful.

“It was very positive for us to be heard on all motions, with all six passed with a couple of amendments,” Cr Chaffey said.

“The motions we raised were issues that affect many different Local Government areas, and therefore could have long-term positive results.”

The six motions raised by Gunnedah Shire Council included:

• Calling on both State and Federal governments to better plan for drought protection;
• Support for Agriculture dependant businesses by way of access to a program similar to the “Farm Management Deposit” scheme;
• Increased access to aviation landing spots for regional and rural councils and support to stop the decline in trained pilots throughout Australia;
• Reversing of recent funding cuts for public libraries;
• More funding support for regional and remote NSW health services; and
• A reduction in time for pre-polling during the Local Government elections without affecting the two week postal vote allowance.

Cr Chaffey said the NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, presented the welcome speech at the opening function, with many other speakers of note in attendance.

“The Conference is also an opportunity for Council representatives to network, share ideas and debate issues that shape the way Councils are governed and a chance for everyone to come together and discuss the future of NSW,” he said.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke discuss the LGNSW Annual Conference.

ENDS

Media Contact: Brooke Maisey 6740 2100.