ENDING cost-shifting onto councils, doubling library funds and allowing greater financial independence.
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They all feature prominently on Central West councils’ wishlists as they lobby candidates ahead of the NSW election on March 23.
Bathurst mayor Graeme Hanger said his council takes a proactive approach prior to any election to meet with candidates.
“This will again occur in the lead-up to the state election once all candidates have been announced,” Cr Hanger said.
“Among the key priorities for council are calling for cost-shifting to be removed, ensuring the financial viability of local government and our role in the provision of quality services to the community.”
Cr Hanger said the council is seeking funding commitments for specific projects such as the development of the second circuit at Mount Panorama, water security and the continued development of cultural facilities.
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Local Government NSW president councillor Linda Scott said councils are calling on all parties and candidates to commit to act on 12 critical areas.
“These priorities have been identified through feedback and contributions to member surveys and research, and submissions,” Cr Scott said.
“They are reasonable and realistic.”
Some of the priorities include reinvesting 100 per cent of the $727 million waste levy collected by the NSW Government each year; allowing councils to levy rates up to two per cent over the rate peg limit without having to seek special rate variation approval; and committing to protecting local water utilities from privatisation.
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Dubbo Regional mayor Ben Shields said the most important thing for his council is that the near record level of funding provided by the current government continues.
“We have been fortunate to receive tremendous amounts of funding for our hospital, tourist attractions, roads and other new infrastructure projects but that can’t afford to drop off,” Cr Shields said.
“There is a significant funding backlog from the former Wellington Council area that needs to be funded and Council can’t do that alone; it needs that state government support to bring existing roads and infrastructure to an acceptable level.”
Cr Shields said he supports the stance of LGNSW on the waste levy, funding of public libraries, ending cost-shifting for councils and getting the state government to commit to protecting local water utilities.
“However, I strongly disagree with the idea of allowing councils to levy rates above the rate peg without a special rate variation,” he said.
“I think it is important that protection is in there to protect ratepayers.”
Cr Shields said he has already met with a number of candidates for the Dubbo electorate and will try to meet with all others.
“Council has prepared a list of major projects that it would like to fund in the next four years and that list has been provided to candidates I have met with.”
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Orange City Council manager of corporate and community relations, Nick Redmond, said the council routinely prepares information about its key funding priorities to brief all candidates in state and federal elections.
“Our priority projects include the OC Future City CBD upgrade, Southern Feeder Road, Orange Life Sciences Precinct, Mt Canobolas Mountain Bike Trails, Orange Conservatorium and Planetarium, Sir Jack Brabham Park upgrades and the Orange Sporting Complex and Rectangular Field and Stadium,” Mr Redmond said.
Orange councillor Joanne McRae said her council will invite all state candidates to address their concerns and priorities.
“We have regularly brought up issues regarding funding for sporting and cultural facilities,” Cr McRae said.
“We have also been seeking funding for the conservatorium and planetarium project.
“I will be looking for commitment to include improved public transport connections to Sydney on behalf of the Orange Rail Action Group.”
Cr McRae said she will also be seeking clarity on the state government laws, which impact day-to-day operations of her council.
“For example the Companion Animals Act and funding for animal management responsibilities local councils take on, but are mandated by the state government.”