Six motions put forward by Gunnedah Shire Council were passed at the Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) Annual Conference last week.
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The council called on the state and federal governments to better plan for drought protection; support agriculture-dependent businesses; increase access to aviation landing spots for regional and rural councils and increase trained pilots throughout Australia; reverse funding cuts for public libraries; better funding support for regional and remote NSW health services; and reduction of pre-polling time during the local government elections.
Gunnedah shire mayor Jamie Chaffey, general manager Eric Groth and councillor John Campbell represented the Gunnedah council at the conference in Albury.
“It was very positive for us to be heard on all motions, with all six passed with a couple of amendments,” Cr Chaffey said.
“The motions we raised were issues that affect many different local government areas, and therefore could have long-term positive results.”
Cr Campbell said landing spots for aircraft in Sydney was a key issue if Gunnedah were to re-establish a local airline.
“There was a little bit of opposition from Inner West Council because they’re under the flight path but the weight of a number of country councils got it through,” he said.
Cr Campbell said an airline in Gunnedah would create jobs, generate business and save locals from travelling to Tamworth.
The councillor said a call for more support for agriculture-dependent businesses by way of access to a program similar to the Farm Management Deposit scheme was also important for Gunnedah, particularly during drought.
“The crux of the Farm Management Deposit scheme is to to extend it to local businesses like NFS-Ag who are relying on farmers to get the money in and buy stuff from them,” Cr Campbell said.
Cr Chaffey said the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian gave the welcome speech at the opening function of the conference, with many other speakers of note in attendance.
“The conference is also an opportunity for council representatives to network, share ideas and debate issues that shape the way councils are governed and a chance for everyone to come together and discuss the future of NSW,” Cr Chaffey said.
The conference is a platform for local government to raise motions that will become local government policy if they are passed.
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