A message from the Mayor: Partners in progress

Published on 27 June 2022

Last week, I had an eye-opening experience to the wide breadth of issues faced by Local Governments across Australia. 

I was in Canberra for four days, one for a Regional Forum and three days for the National General Assembly of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA).

Kempsey Shire is one of 537 Councils across the country, and many of the issues and challenges faced are shared. The solutions and actions need to be best practice.

Besides dealing with many issues through democratic resolutions, the delegates listened to inspiring and informed speakers, such as Ukraine Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychnko, Stan Grant, Scott Nargar, Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader and Zali Steggall OAM.  There was also time for important networking.

Many Ministers of the new Government attended and shared their wishes to work with Local Governments in solving the problems found in this sector.

For me, the three most important issues raised in debate, resolutions and by presenters were Disasters Mitigation, Climate Change impacts and Closing the Gap for the original settlers of this land.

Muheed Jamaldeen from Deloitte Economics stated that disaster events caused by Climate Change will intensify and be more frequent.  Economic modelling shows the present disasters are costing the economy $38 billion, but by 2060 these costs will be between $73 billion and $94 billion.  Local Government should intensify efforts to mitigate disaster instead of just reacting to them.  At present 3% of funds are used to prevent and prepare for disasters whilst 97% is reacting to disasters. These facts really surprised me.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney’s address was warmly welcomed by delegates as she committed her Government to fully address the Uluru Statement from the heart, and a national referendum on due recognition of Aboriginal people as the first settlers.  She outlined the difficulties of achieving a success with 48 referenda held since 1901 and only seven approved.

The conference concluded with an engaging address from Val Dempsey, the 2022 Senior Australian of the Year.  She is promoting that all learner drivers be required to have first aid training certification and is asking for Local Councils support of this worthy cause.

Visit driverfirstaid.org.au for information.