President’s Update – 2 December 2024

I’m excited to visit Margaret River in Western Australia this week for our 2024 National Local Roads, Transport & Infrastructure Congress.

We’re expecting more than 200 local government leaders and experts from around Australia and overseas, and a key focus will be discussing how we can help address the nation’s unacceptably high road toll and improve road safety.

This year’s Congress also include sessions on community infrastructure, renewable energy, emergency management, emissions reduction, active transport, aviation innovations and transitioning to a circular economy.

Welcome reception in Canberra

I was thrilled the Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick hosted a welcome reception for myself and local government leaders at Parliament House in Canberra on 19 November.

It was fantastic to see a strong turnout of MPs, Senators and staffers from all sides of politics, including the Minister for Local Government Kristy McBain and Shadow Minister Darren Chester, who both spoke at the event in the Speaker’s Courtyard.

During my visit to Canberra, I also met with Ministers, Shadow Ministers and other political leaders to advocate on your behalf in the lead-up to the next federal election.

State and territory conferences

Since being elected President, I’ve had the privilege of attending several state and territory association conferences around Australia in recent months.

I’ve heard loud and clear our sector is calling for financial sustainability and more recognition of the cost-shifting to local government so we can help to achieve national priorities.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to me about these important issues.

2024 NGA save the date

Finally, a reminder the 31st National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) will be held in Canberra from 24-27 June 2025.

The biggest annual gathering of local government leaders will include the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum on Tuesday 24 June and the NGA from Wednesday 25 to Friday 27 June.

More details will be released soon and registrations will open in January.

I hope to see you in Canberra in June!