QUESTIONS have been raised over the effectiveness of peak body Local Government NSW (LGNSW) by the state’s local councils.
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Councils are shaping up to call for an urgent audit of the peak body at the LGNSW annual conference expressing dissatisfaction with the quality of services and overall performance of the peak body, hitting out at high membership fees.
Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) will consider backing the motion at its meeting on Tuesday night.
THE MOTION:
- That this Conference express its strong concerns regarding the high membership contributions and general Councils’ dissatisfaction with the quality of services and overall performance of LGNSW as the peak body representing New South Wales metropolitan, regional and rural Councils.”
- That this Conference therefore calls for an urgent Independent Value Proposition Audit in relation to the purpose, role, responsibilities, services and overall performance and value for money of LGNSW, with all Member Councils having the opportunity to provide confidential input to the Audit.
TRC was approached by the mayor of Albury council to support the motion.
The peak body has welcomed the push from its members.
LGNSW recognises that our members are consistently being asked to demonstrate the value they provide to their communities – and as their association, we are committed to holding ourselves to the same standards,” a spokesperson said.
“LGNSW welcomes any opportunity to demonstrate the value it offers members.”
TRC paid $53,575.72 for its LGNSW membership in the 2017/18 financial year.
The LGNSW spokesperson said TRC has been notified its specific member benefits from April 2016 to March 2017, including industrial relations support, saving “hundreds of thousands of dollars” through 17 local government procurement contracts and “received $40,000 in Flying Fox Management grants”.
“Membership of LGNSW is certainly not compulsory for councils, but most of our members believe working collaboratively as a sector rather than individually delivers the best results for the communities they serve,” the spokesperson said.
“Concentrated advocacy means the sector speaks with a cohesive voice, and offers a value over and above the individual services members receive a free or at greatly reduced cost.”