3 December 2020

I'm proud LGNSW is partnering with the NSW Government to deliver grants to councils to improve urban tree canopy and green cover in greater Sydney, by planting more than 40,000 trees! 30 Councils and 1 regional group of councils will receive $10.2 million in Greening Our City funding. The program is being administered by Local Government NSW on behalf of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

International Day of People with Disability
Thank you to the many councils who joined today’s webinar, organised by the Disability Council NSW and NSW Department of Communities and Justice, and supported by LGNSW. International Day of People with Disability was the perfect time for local government to consider whether Disability Inclusion Action Plans are meeting the needs of their communities and sharing best-practice ideas. Local government has an important role to play in helping to drive change to improve access, services, and employment opportunities for people with disability.

Excellence in the Environment Awards Finalists’ Forum
Thank you to those of you who took the time to join us for a great conversation about the range of environmental projects undertaken by the finalists at this year’s LGNSW Excellence in the Environment Awards. And thank you to our presenters from Canada Bay Council, Shoalhaven City Council, Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, Port Stephens Council and Blacktown City Council.

Advocacy Wins

• The Australian government introduced National Emergency Declaration Bills into Parliament today. The Bills implement the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements recommendations. Specifically, Recommendation 5.1 Make provision for a declaration of a state of emergency:
  The Australian Government should make provision, in legislation, for a declaration of a state of national emergency. The declaration should include the following components:
  (1) the ability for the Australian Government to make a public declaration to communicate the seriousness of a natural disaster. 
  (2) processes to mobilise and activate Australian Government agencies quickly to support states and territories to respond to and recover from a natural disaster, and
  (3) the power to take action without a state or territory request for assistance in clearly defined and limited circumstances.
  LGNSW recognises these Bills will ensure communities get the help and support they need in times of crisis. However, we continue to call for a seat at the table at the National cabinet. Please join the campaign and download the Advocacy Kit!
  
• Summer Fund grants for all councils - this week the NSW Government  announced all councils are eligible for up to $10,000 in funding to provide free events, activities or experiences to enliven local public spaces this summer. It’s is a great way to support local artists, musicians, performers and producers and contribute to the creative, cultural and economic recovery of our communities. It’s a welcome addition to the raft of stimulus funding programs we’ve been advocating for on your behalf, to help drive a locally-led recovery across NSW. More information and applications online.
• Outdoor dining trial expansion - the NSW Government’s Outdoor Dining Trial has this week expanded to cover all of NSW. As part of the trial, the NSW Government has streamlined its own approvals and is encouraging councils to participate and support local businesses to expand outdoor dining, where appropriate. Importantly, LGNSW successfully advocated for councils to retain their approval powers to ensure outdoor dining is appropriate for the local area. More information online.

Reminder
LGNSW is seeking expressions of interest to fill LGNSW Councillor positions on the StateCover Board - two Director positions and the Chief Executive Director position. Applications close 10 December 2020

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