Council Comment

with Charlie Cox

National assembly

Our General Manager and I represented Council at the recent National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra. The Assembly was encouraged by the announcement by the Federal Minister for Local Government, Jim Lloyd, that the Howard Government is committed to the basic principles of the recommendations by the Hawker Inquiry into the effects of cost shifting on local government.

This report made it clear that local government has been increasingly burdened in recent years with a great number of responsibilities without extra funding. The Australian Local Government Association estimates that cost shifting by both Federal and State Government costs local councils up to $1 billion annually.

When we, as a local community, consider that this cost is in addition to income tax, GST and land rates (to name only a few), we begin to realise what a less than satisfactory deal local government is getting. Basically, cost shifting means ratepayers are paying many times over, but being starved of a fair share.

The National Assembly also came out strongly in its call for recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution.

Councils working together

The Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils (NOROC) has undergone a restructure, which will see it taking a stronger role in promoting regional issues. NOROC has reduced its structure to ensure its delegates are at the peak of each Council it represents. This will enable NOROC to focus forcefully on a number of key regional issues at high level. The five regional issues to be targeted are:

• the Casino-Murwillumbah rail line.
• a better funding deal for local government.
• funding for water and sewerage programmes.
• catchment management.
• better roads.

With significant population increases to continue in our region, sound planning and adequate government resources are of utmost importance to us all.

The renewed determination of NOROC to strongly advance our cause is very welcome.

Train disappointment

I join with fellow mayors of the region in expressing disappointment at missing the opportunity to meet with Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson, and NSW Transport Minister, Michael Costa, on November 19 to discuss funding commitments both made to the Casino-Murwillumbah rail line during the recent federal elections.

Network groups

Council has received favourable comments on the project following the first round of meetings with our Community Network Groups. The next round will commence this week. Topics to be discussed include Council's organisation structure and locality plans.

Parking limits

Although not confined to Casino people alone, a number of our drivers are in the habit of overstaying in time restricted parking slots in the CBD. Another local habit is the tendency to make a number of stops in the CBD and park in front of each shop where we want to do business.

I remind you that there are a number of off-street parking areas available, all within easy walking distance. In using them, you'll not only free up other CBD spaces, but get the chance to greet others on the way.