By Staff Writer
The annual conference of the Local Government Association of South Australia is under way in Adelaide with a focus on the state’s new planning laws and talks by councils rebuilding in the wake of natural disasters.
Outgoing LGA president, Mayor Joy Baluch said the line up of speakers were representative of the issues facing local government today and in the future.
“We are lucky with the calibre of speakers we have been able to attract to this important conference,” Cr Baluch said.
“Chris Richardson is one of the nation’s foremost macro-economic commentators and he will present us with an update on what is ahead for Australia and how all spheres of Government will need to respond to the current economic crisis.”
Jennifer Westacott, one of Australia’s foremost planning and infrastructure specialists, will discuss planning issues. The Mayor of Murrindindi Lyn Gunter will speak about community rebuilding in the aftermath of February’s devastating bushfires and Kangaroo Island Mayor Jayne Bates will address delegates on how her community has rallied after the Island’s 2007 fires.
Friday’s Local Government Association’s General Meeting, which follows the LGA conference, will tackle issues such as waste management, water recycling, natural resource management, water security and climate change.
Cr Baluch said she expected there to be a lively debate by local government delegates on environmental issues particularly waste and water management.
The General Meeting will also be asked to consider the progress on the implementation of the LGA’s Climate Change Strategy which was adopted at the October 2008 Annual General Meeting.
In all, 16 notices of motion from councils will be considered during the meeting.
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