H Hunters Hill Trust Journal
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Hunters Hill Trust Journal May 2013 ISN 0310-11 Volume 51, Number 1 H dealing with each document in turn, firstly - FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR NSW LOCAL GOVERNMENT Report’s goals A more sustainable system of democratic local government. The review states that this is currently hampered by the local government sector that is “weighed down with too many out-of-date ideas, attitudes and unters Hill Trust Journalrelationships. At the heart of the problem we still have too many councils chasing too little revenue.” November 2011 ISN 0310-11 Volume 49, Number 2 Achieving financial sustainability. According to TCorp’s report, “in 3 years time 48% of councils could have a weak or worse financial sustainability rating.” Stronger regional and metropolitan governance. Keeping ‘local’ in local government AMALGAMATIONS BACK ON THE DRAWING BOARD Strengthening Far West NSW ACCORDING TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW PANEL’S REPORT How this might be achieved and the need for amalgamations PLANNING AND LOCAL developers’ lobbies and the general This is set out in the document 20 GOVERNMENT REFORM IN NSW public. Essential Steps, which looks at finance, infrastructure, productivity and The State Government has embarked Proposals for the reform of local improvement, better governance, on two major reform programs at the government are contained in the structural reform, Western NSW and same time. One program is designed document Future Directions for NSW how all this can be implemented. to improve the way local government Local Government. Proposed changes operates and the other is directed to the planning process are set out in Of most interest to the residents of the towards rearranging and “improving” the so-called White Paper, A NEW Sydney Metropolitan Area is a section the way planning is carried out in NSW. PLANNING SYSTEM FOR NSW. called the need for amalgamations, The objectives of both programs were Both these documents are now on which makes the case that greater set out in the Green Paper that was exhibition for comment, prior to final efficiencies could be achieved by circulated for public comment in reports being submitted to the reducing the number of councils in November 2012. The reforms outlined government for consideration later on NSW generally and, in the metropolitan in each are supposed to complement this year. area, suggests a reduction from 38 to each other – the reform of local 15 councils. government is designed to facilitate the This has produced an avalanche of implementation of the planning material to digest – 212 pages in the It restates the Liberal government’s reforms, particularly on the regional White Paper and 62 pages in the policy of “no forced amalgamations” level. Future Directions document. A full and as an alternative suggests understanding of all the information pursuing ways to provide incentives for Following a public exhibition period, the also involves a reading of the 109 voluntary mergers. It doesn’t see government has now issued two further pages of the 2013 Local Government much hope for this approach though, papers that purport to have taken into Performance Report and Treasury stating that there is little likelihood of consideration the submissions made Corporation’s April report. Daily press voluntary amalgamations occurring, by various interest groups including reports and commentaries on the especially in the metropolitan area. Local Government, community groups, proposals add to the pile of information. Here is a brief overview Continued on page 2 hhHunters Hill Trust Journal May 2013 ISN 0310-11 Volume 51, Number 1 The Panel contends that “arguments about Most people would support the general amalgamations are essentially a distraction thrust of this although there are not many from the core issue, which is how the role specific recommendations as to how and capacity of NSW local government can improvements could be made. best be strengthened in the interests of the communities it is expected to represent. The major impact for Hunters Hill is the That objective will not be achieved by self- proposed amalgamation of the Council. interest or special pleading. It requires a The Panel’s preferred option is for Hunters willingness to take a fresh look at the Hill to merge with Lane Cove, Mosman, system of local government and its North Sydney and Willoughby to create a relationship with the State, and to explore much larger Council to be known as the Preserving Australia’s new options with an open mind.” North Shore Group. Oldest Garden Suburb Keeping the ‘local’ in local government The Panel believes that keeping the “local” Hunters Hill Trust Contacts in local government is possible and notes a President Robyn Christie range of methods including, [email protected] Place management Secretary David Gaunt [email protected] Creating wards within local government areas Journal Tony Coote [email protected] Using new techniques such as online forums to keep communities informed Address PO Box 85 Hunters Hill 2110 Using modern customer service Community response to amalgamation Website www.huntershilltrust.org.au systems to date Contact Kate Russell Considering the option of setting up Prior to the release of the Future Directions [email protected] ‘Local Boards’ (mainly in rural areas). Review, the Save Hunters Hill Coalition, kick-started the anti-amalgamation Publications Much of the rest of the Panel’s review is to campaign that had lain dormant since 2003 do with “confronting the financial realities” when Ryde wanted to incorporate part of of maintaining financial sustainability and Heritage of Hunters Hill $15 the municipality into its LGA. produces a map of Councils at Risk. Also The Vision and the Struggle $15 noted are, Members discount 25% The Coalition lobbied councillors and The need to ensure councils’ fiscal politicians, held demonstrations where kids responsibility and MEMBERSHIP held up anti-amalgamation signs in front of The Trust anyone interested in preserving the Town Hall and got their photos in the The need to bolster the revenue base the unique character of Hunters Hill to local press. At a council meeting, Phil of councils including increasing rates, become a member. Jenkyn made an impassioned speech in reviewing rate pegging and favour of keeping Hunters Hill unchanged development contributions Single membership $20 and councillors, the mayor and state and Family membership $40 federal Liberal MPs all publicly came out Another large section of the review looks at Contact the secretary to join or download against forced amalgamations. a range of issues including tackling the a form from the website. infrastructure backlog, promoting The Liberal party confirmed its pre-election innovation and productivity, improving promise of ‘no forced amalgamations in its accountability and political leadership first term of office’ (this of course says (including ongoing mandatory professional Amalgamations back on the nothing about what it might do in its second development for councillors, attracting term) and a victory for the maintenance of drawing board – continued from page 1 quality candidates and councillor Hunters Hill as a separate local remuneration), and enhancing the status of government area was declared. It sets out in a series of tables “preferred mayors. options” for council amalgamations. However, within the state government and There is also a section on building strong both political parties, the imperative to Possible backlash regions, which concludes “a more robust amalgamate remains strong. Wholesale Anticipating a community backlash against statutory framework is required at a forced amalgamations have already amalgamations, the Panel notes that, regional level” to allow “the structure and happened in Queensland, Victoria, South “opponents of amalgamation rely heavily functions of a County Council to be tailored Australia and The Northern Territory. In on the argument that local identity will be to the particular needs and circumstances 2004 Sydney and South Sydney were lost in bigger local government units; that of the region concerned.” forced to merge and bits of Leichhardt larger councils will pay less attention to were incorporated into the expanded City specific needs of different suburbs or Much of the review is focused on improving of Sydney Council. neighbourhoods and will fail to take steps governance at the local and regional level. to maintain their character.” The Hunters Hill Trust Journal May 2013 2 hhHunters Hill Trust Journal May 2013 ISN 0310-11 Volume 51, Number 1 The Review Panel itself anticipated the facilities, but rather congratulates itself To encourage high architectural and need for forced amalgamations stating, for having saved money by not using aesthetic standards; “there is little likelihood of voluntary professionals to do the job. amalgamations occurring on the scale To maintain a planning committee on required, and in a suitable pattern, to A sense that the western part of council responsible for conservation deliver the strategic outcomes needed to Hunters Hill has recently borne the and policy matters, which includes address future challenges”. brunt of increased development. nominees of the Trust As well, there is continuing pressure for To maintain the declaration of Hunters amalgamation from influential lobby Hill as a protected area. groups, the State Treasury, the national press and powerful members in the Liberal The objective to maintain Hunters Hill as a party. Clearly the prospect of the separate municipality