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Local Government NSW Annual Conference 2018 - Nomination of Delegates

Decision Maker: Council

Decision status: Recommendations Determined

Decision:

File No: X018059

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 New South Wales (LGNSW) Annual Conference, to be held from Sunday 21 October to Tuesday 23 October 2018 at the Entertainment Centre, Albury.

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 LGNSW and the sector.

Registration to Attend the Conference

Conference attendees are invited to register from mid-July to take advantage of 'early bird' rates. Voting delegates must be registered to attend the conference, and also be registered as a voting delegate.

Registration as a Voting Delegate

The City is entitled to register up to 10 voting delegates in 2018. It is proposed that Council nominates the Lord Mayor and all Councillors to attend.

The deadline to provide LGNSW with the names of delegates who will vote on policy motions is Tuesday 2 October 2018. Additional nominations received after the closing date cannot be accepted. However, the names of voting delegates may be substituted at any time, in line with Rule 34 of the LGNSW Rules.

Voting delegates may not appoint a proxy to attend or vote at formal business sessions on their behalf.

Conference Program / Motions

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

On 14 May 2018, Council resolved to submit a motion for consideration supporting the increase of affordable housing in NSW.

All members can put forward motions, which should be strategic, affect members state-wide and introduce new or emerging policy issues and actions. The latest date for submission of motions is midnight, Sunday 23 September 2018.

The draft conference program will be distributed to Councillors when it becomes available in early July. The full conference business paper is expected to be available one week prior to the conference.

Councillors’ Expenses and Facilities Policy

Councillors Chung, Forster, Miller, Scott, Scully and Vithoulkas were the City of Sydney delegates at the 2017 LGNSW Conference held in Sydney. Expenditure incurred for the 2017 conference totalled $6,674.54.

The Councillors’ Expenses and Facilities Policy 2017 provides for Councillors to attend the LGNSW Annual Conference at Council’s expense. Funds are available in the draft 2018/19 Operating Budget to cover registration fees, accommodation, travel and other reasonable expenses incurred by Councillors.

Conference registration fees in 2018 have not been confirmed, but were $899 per person in 2017, which provides an indicative cost.

Accommodation has been secured at the Mantra Albury, with studio rooms accommodating up to two people incurring a cost of $270 per night for three nights. Breakfast and car parking is available at an additional cost. The hotel is a short walk from the conference venue and local restaurants and amenities.

Recommendation

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council appoint the Lord Mayor and all Councillors as its voting delegates at the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference to be held in Albury from Sunday 21 October to Tuesday 23 October 2018;

(B)      all registration fees, accommodation, travel and other reasonable expenses associated with the attendance of Councillors at the conference be met by the City in accordance with the Councillors' Expenses and Facilities Policy 2017; and

(C)      Council note that a spouse, partner or other person may accompany a Councillor at the conference, and the City will meet the cost of their registration fees and official conference dinners.

MONICA BARONE

Chief Executive Officer

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

That the Memorandum by the Chief Executive Officer be endorsed and adopted.

Carried unanimously.

 

 

 

Report author: Erin Cashman

Publication date: 28/06/2018

Date of decision: 25/06/2018

Decided at meeting: 25/06/2018 - Council

Accompanying Documents: