10 September 2014
Local Government Reform Key
As NSW battles to regain its number one positi
billion council reform package provides a once
Fundamental local government reform will brin
Queensland, where they have taken steps to m
and better resourced.
“
The NSW Business Chamber has been a voca
local government, emphasising the need for ch
Campaign 10 Big Ideas to Grow NSW and our
said Stephen Cartwright, CEO of the NSW Bus
“It’s great to see the Government put this pack
concerns of our 17,000 member businesses w
“41% of business respondents
to the 2013 NS
rated local government very or extremely comp
“While there may be different reform models
feedback from our members has been clear
“In 2010 the productivity commission rated th
government in NSW at 42%, the lowest of all
“That’s why it’s vital that when assessing pro
ensures that mergers or new regional bodies
need to make sense from both an economic
“It’s essential that business i
s part of this con
Local Government Reform Key to
Making NSW Number One
As NSW battles to regain its number one position; the NSW
government’s release of a $1 billion council reform package provides
a once in a generation opportunity for real change.
Fundamental local government ref r will bring NSW into line with
Victoria and Queensland, where they have taken steps to make local
government more accountable and better resourced.
“The NSW Business Chamber has been a vocal advocate for
revitalising and reforming local government, emphasising the need
for change in both our 2011 State Election Campaign 10 Big Ideas
to Grow NSW and our current campaign Unfinished Business,” said
Stephen Cartwright, CEO of the NSW Business Chamber.
“It’s great to see the Government put this package forward which will
help to address the concerns of our 17,000 member businesses when
they try to deal with their local council.
“41% of business respondents to the 2013 NSW Business Chamber
Red Tape Survey rated local government very or extremely complex
to deal with.”
“While theremay be different reformmodels pursued inmetropolitan
and regional NSW, feedback from our members has been clear – local
government needs to lift its game.
“In 2010 the productivity commission rated the relationship between
state and local government in NSW at 42%, the l w st of all states
and territories.
“That’s why it’s vital that when assessing proposals for reform, the
NSW Government ensures that mergers or new regional bodies of
councils are strategic and coherent – they need to make sense from
both an economic and the communities of interest point of view.
“It’s essential that business is art of th s conversation.
“The time has clearly come for local government to reform and start
supporting business and the community more effectively.”
Media Contact: Damian Kelly 0401 773 825
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