The Independent Local Government Review Panel and representatives from councils in the northern rivers will meet today at the Tweed Shire Council Chambers in Murwillumbah to discuss the future of local government in NSW.
Glenn Inglis from the Review Panel will be attending the first meeting of NOROC in 2013 to present an update on the work of the panel, which is advising the NSW government on options for the reform of the local government sector.
NOROC president, Cr Jenny Dowell, said the meeting with Mr Inglis would allow NOROC mayors, as well as elected councillors and general managers, the opportunity to discuss challenges faced by councils as well as issues of local and regional importance.
‘The work being undertaken by the Independent Local Government Review Panel will have an enormous influence on what our councils look like in 20 years’ time,’ Cr Dowell said.
‘I am pleased we will have the chance to speak to Mr Inglis directly about the findings of the latest research undertaken by the panel and get an insight into what it might mean for the northern rivers,’ she said.
‘NOROC will also be discussing a number of other important regional issues, including affordable housing and a research proposal looking at the impact of coal-seam gas on groundwater supplies,’ Cr Dowell said.
NOROC represents the Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Kyogle, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley council areas, as well as Rous Water and Richmond River County Council.