1 October 2020

This week, LGNSW is proud to launch our innovation project, in partnership with University of Sydney, to assist your councils to adopt world leading practice for using recycled materials for roads, cycle paths and footpaths.

Available now, the innovative how-to guide provides councils with advice on the best use of recycled plastics, glass, asphalt, concrete and other materials to make safe and durable roads, cycle paths and footpaths – and has the potential to create a truly circular economy and new local manufacturing jobs in NSW at the same time!

Consistent with our Save Our Recycling campaign, LGNSW is calling for increased local and state government procurement of recycled goods made in NSW, to address the burden posed by waste and recycling on local government. This research also corresponds with the biggest local government-led procurement of recycled road-making materials in NSW history via Paving the Way, a collaboration of 15 Sydney metropolitan councils, led by Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils. For further information about this research and the LGNSW Research and Innovation Fund, email Jennifer James.  For further information about the Save Our Recycling campaign, email Susy Cenedese, Strategy - Manager Environment.

Reminder: Have your say at the online Annual Conference
Tough times ahead require a united voice and persuasive advocacy if our sector is to help drive a locally led recovery. Help shape our advocacy agenda by registering your voting delegates and submitting motions to be debated, as soon as possible. For further information visit the LGNSW website or email [email protected] with the subject line "Annual Conference".

It’s also not too late to register to attend the online LGNSW water management conference on 7-8 October and the online Excellence in the Environment Awards on 13 October 2020 to find out more about important council-led water and environment programs that are contributing to a strong economy, particularly in the regions.

Advocacy Wins! More funding for bushfire-affected councils and communities

This week we welcomed:

• State funding of up to $7 million for councils to create inclusive play spaces, with $3 million set aside to prioritise drought and bushfire-affected councils, and
• Phase 2 of the $25 million Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund, which will see funding for local councils, community groups and not-for-profit organisations for medium and longer-term projects.
• A Regional Recovery Partnerships Program and $5 million Resilient Regional Leaders Initiative, as well as $30 million in additional funding for the Regional Connectivity Program, announced by the Federal government.

LGNSW has been advocating for these social, community and economic inclusiveness programs for some time and these funding programs are welcome news for bushfire-affected councils and their communities. For further information, email Damian Thomas, LGNSW Strategy Manager.

New Health Orders: COVID-19
Thanks to Mayors and Councillors who joined Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant on the eve of the new Public Health Order announcement that came into effect on 28 September. These latest changes require councils (and businesses) to revise their COVID-19 safety plans, checklists, and comply with latest changes to restrictions on gathering and movement.

Given the enormity of this task, I encourage councils to work together and share their COVID-19 safety plans. Identifying creative ways to support COVID-safe outdoor activities and management of facilities will also be important, given the four-square metre rule for indoor spaces is to remain in place for the foreseeable future. For further information, email Damian Thomas, LGNSW Strategy Manager.

Help amplify our sector’s advocacy work
The Federal budget is due to be handed down next Tuesday (6 October). I encourage you to review the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) budget submission and share our sector’s position with your Federal Members of Parliament. It’s also not too late to pass the National Cabinet Mayoral minute as part of the campaign calling for ALGA to be included on the National Cabinet. For further information, email Kelly Kwan, Executive Manager, Advocacy.

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