President's message

The National General Assembly of Local Government (the Assembly) is the most important event on the local government annual calendar and it has assumed real national significance as the key forum for debating local government priorities. It is vital that your council is represented.

I am delighted that the Australian Government has also decided to hold the next meeting of mayors and shire presidents to coincide with the Assembly.

I see the Government's decision to align the annual meeting of mayors and shire presidents with our Assembly to be a clear sign of the increasing partnership between the Australian Government and local government. The Australian Government recognises the important place which local government plays in the Australian community and it is pleasing that the Government sees local government as a key player during these economically challenging times.

The opportunity for local government to have real input into the national agenda and to play a role in advancing Australia’s national interests has never been greater. The Australian Government places importance on its strategic relationship with local government and it is willing to engage in a partnership approach with local government on issues such as the fiscal stimulus package through addressing community infrastructure.

Previous Assemblies have passed resolutions calling for more infrastructure and general purpose funding to be provided by the Australian Government to local government. These resolutions have developed the local government case for more funding and assisted in convincing the Australian Government of the need for an increased investment in community infrastructure funding for local government.

With our high level profile and engagement with the Australian Government, it is imperative that we maintain the momentum and continue to develop the local government agenda through the Assembly.

This 2009 Assembly will be held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra between 21 and 24 June and will focus on the key priorities facing local government. The theme for this year’s Assembly is Rising to the Challenge - Infrastructure, Financing, Climate Change. The Assembly will offer a valuable opportunity for local government to explore and develop policy in these key areas.

ALGA has responded to feedback received from previous Assemblies and we have revised the process for submitting motions to ensure that debate relates to current national priorities. This year we are calling for motions under the three major themes of the Assembly – infrastructure, climate change and financing. To assist councils in developing motions that fall under the themes, ALGA has put together a discussion paper for each theme which outlines local and federal policies as well as the current issues and initiatives that are being debated. The discussion paper can be accessed at www.nga.alga.asn.au.

The Assembly is your opportunity to make sure that your council's view is reflected in the national priorities identified for local government.

I look forward to seeing you in Canberra this June.

Cr Geoff Lake
ALGA President