Decision details

Memorandum by the Chief Executive Officer

To Council:

This memorandum seeks Council's consideration of the nomination of Councillors as voting delegates to the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference, to be held from Sunday 17 to Tuesday 19 November 2024 at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre.

The conference is the main policy-making event for the local government sector. Delegates will vote on motions which determine the policies and priorities for Local Government NSW and the sector.

The draft conference program is available at: https://lgnswconference.org.au/program/.

Councillors will receive email notifications directly from Local Government NSW, but should direct questions or requests to Secretariat, who will coordinate and manage all arrangements with Local Government NSW on behalf of Councillors, including conference registrations and voting registrations.

Registration as a Voting Delegate

The City of Sydney will be entitled to register up to 10 voting delegates for motions. It is proposed that Council nominates the Lord Mayor and all Councillors as voting delegates.

Voting delegates may not appoint a proxy to attend or vote at formal business sessions on their behalf. Registrations for voting on motions will be managed by Secretariat.

Conference Program/Motions

The conference will include discussion and debate on a range of motions from councils relating to current and emerging policy issues facing local government in NSW.

The Local Government NSW Policy Platform at: https://www.lgnsw.org.au/policy/policy-platform consolidates the numerous policies and positions of Local Government NSW – as determined by members – into a single document for ease of reference for members and stakeholders.

The full conference business paper is expected to be available one week prior to the conference and will include three motions submitted by the City of Sydney.

Councillors' Expenses and Facilities Policy

Councillors Davis, Ellsmore, Gannon, Jarrett, Scott, Weldon and Worling were the City of Sydney delegates at the 2023 Local Government NSW Annual Conference held at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Parramatta.

Expenditure incurred for the conference totalled $8,625.47. The Councillors' Expenses and Facilities Policy provides for Councillors to attend the Local Government NSW Annual Conference at the City’s expense. Funds are available in the 2024/25 operating budget to cover registration fees, travel and other reasonable expenses incurred by Councillors.

MONICA BARONE PSM

Chief Executive Officer

Moved by the Chair (the Lord Mayor), seconded by Councillor Kok –

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council appoint the Lord Mayor and all Councillors as its voting delegates at the Local Government NSW Annual Conference, to be held at Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre, from Sunday 17 to Tuesday 19 November 2024;

(B)      Council note all registration fees, travel costs and other reasonable expenses associated with the attendance of Councillors at the Local Government NSW Annual Conference will be met by the City in accordance with the Councillors' Expenses and Facilities Policy; and

(C)      Council note that a spouse, partner or other person may accompany a Councillor at the conference, and the City will meet any associated ticket costs.

Carried unanimously.

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