Australia’s National Local Government Newspaper LGFocus.com.au
SEPTEMBER 2024
Partners from the heart The City of Belmont’s vision for the Heart of Wilson Park sees all three levels of government working together to deliver an inspiring new space for the people of Rivervale. The second stage of the Wilson Park Precinct Master Plan, the ‘Heart + Playground’ is in the final stages of planning and includes a pump track, youth play area, nature play and a social connection space for locals to gather and enjoy. The project, estimated at $8.3 million, has received a $2 million contribution from the Australian Government through the Investing in Our Communities Program and a $2 million Lotterywest grant to raise community sense of belonging and strengthen social connections. Story page 19
A partnership between the three tiers of government has brought heart to Wilson Park in Belmont, WA. From left, State Member for Belmont Cassie Rowe MLA, City of Belmont Mayor Robert Rossi and Federal Member for Swan Zaneta Mascarenhas MP.
Conduct overhaul Local Government NSW (LGNSW) has welcomed the release of the Councillor Conduct Framework Discussion Paper, which was announced by the Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig on 5 September with an extended period for comment. The NSW Government said it was proposing reforms to overhaul the “broken” Code of Conduct system for elected councillors, “which is generating thousands of trivial complaints making it almost impossible to act swiftly and fairly on matters of genuine concern”. LGNSW President Darriea Turley AM said the local government sector had been anticipating the release of the framework and supported any move that would ensure the highest standards of integrity and probity across all levels of government.
“This issue has been the subject of long conversation for councils and the eventual framework will be a key cornerstone in maintaining integrity, transparency and trust in local government across the state and this next step in the consultation process is very much welcomed by the sector,” Cr Turley said. A discussion paper released on 5 September proposes a complete rewrite and simplification of the Model Code of Conduct as well as a number of new pathways for addressing poor councillor behaviour.
At over 100 pages long the current code of conduct framework is overly complex, distracts from robust democratic debate and is being increasingly weaponised for political reasons, the NSW Government said. There were 4,289 code of conduct complaints lodged over the last three years alone, forcing councils to divert significant time and money from providing local services to resolve these complaints, the government added. “The Discussion Paper has a range of as-
pects to it and we look forward to working with councils to hear their feedback and then liaising with the Minister and the Government to ensure we get a final framework that works for everyone,” Cr Turley said. “Ultimately we want to see a framework that allows councils to carry out their functions efficiently and appropriately, will provide clear expectations to elected officials and confidence for the community at large.” Continued page 6
Changing Places Restrooms Leaders in specialised public restrooms for greater accessibility
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