By Angela Dorizas

Local government must modernise to meet future challenges, but that does not necessarily mean council amalgamations.

That was the message from the New South Wales Shires Association president, Bruce Miller, speaking at a conference in Sydney today.

“We need to recognise that there are many changes on the horizon, which will have a considerable impact on local government over the next 20 years,” Cr Miller told delegates at the Shires Conference.

He said local government must reform if it is to tackle the challenges of climate change, significant population growth, financial insecurity, an ageing population and several election cycles.

“There are many, many options to be considered as we discuss the future of local government,” Cr Miller said.

“Amalgamation of itself is not the answer.”

Cr Miller called on the sector to develop stronger ties with state and federal governments.

“For us to have any chance of success in developing and underpinning a strong and viable local government sector we need to bring the other two spheres of government onboard,” he said.

Minister for Local Government Barbara Perry said modernisation of local government must be driven from within the sector.

“There’s no change in our Government’s policy around amalgamations,” Ms Perry told Government News.

“Change has to come from within the sector. The debate has to happen within the sector and the Government is happy to work with the sector on these issues.”

Ms Perry encouraged councils to investigate which model of reform would provide the best service delivery in their communities.

“You’ve got to start from that critical question and then be open and honest about what is the best and most efficient way to do that,” Ms Perry said.

“It’s not always about amalgamations. It’s about being innovative and thinking outside the square.”

Ms Perry said long term planning within the sector would help local government address future challenges.

“Planning around financial and asset management is crucial to ongoing viability of councils.”