Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain says opportunities for growth and critical challenges facing Australian councils were top of the agenda at a Local Government Ministers’ Forum held in Canberra on Friday.
The forum brought together Local Government Ministers from all states and territories, along with Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) President, City of Sydney Councillor, Linda Scott.
With many communities recovering from the impacts of natural disasters, the forum focused on governance, resilience and emergency management, the Minister said.
“The Local Government Ministers’ forum is an opportunity to have productive discussions with my state and territory counterparts on the different challenges and capabilities of jurisdictions,” she said.
“We looked at the best way to enhance governance, resilience and growth, because we recognise the need for collaborative solutions at all levels of government – particularly in regional areas.
“This meeting was also an important opportunity to inform the agenda of our re-established Australian Council of Local Government in June, which recognises the unique expertise of local councils and their role as essential contributors to the development of policies that will have a lasting impact.”
Ms McBain said the meeting provided an opportunity to forge collaborative action, which was underpinned by the shared understanding of challenges impacting local governments.
