ALGA has elected a new president, Mayor David O’Loughlin, at its annual general meeting in Toowoomba.
City of Prospect Mayor David O’Loughlin has served on the ALGA Board for three and a half years and is also the immediate past President of Local Government of South Australia.
Mayor O’Loughlin said it was an honour to be elected President of ALGA and that he was confident in local government’s capacity to face the challenges that lay ahead.
“Councils across the country face challenging financial circumstances with rising community expectations and calls for more services and infrastructure. This is against a backdrop of fiscal constraints, including rate capping in some instances.
“In my role as ALGA President, my priority will be to push for increased funding, services and infrastructure for local communities through a stronger relationship between Federal and local government,” he said.
Mayor O’Loughlin also paid tribute to his predecessor, City of Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard.
“Over the past two years, Mayor Pickard has led the charge in making sure local government’s voice is heard, particularly in the national infrastructure debate. I thank and commend Mayor Pickard for his efforts, his commitment and the energy that he brought to the presidency,” he said.
The ALGA Board also welcomed returning Vice President Alice Springs Mayor Damien Ryan and incoming Vice President Alderman Doug Chipman, Mayor of Clarence City Council.