Each year Councils from across Australia gather in Canberra to for the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly.
This week I will head to Canberra where I’ll have the opportunity to advocate for the City of Logan at a national level.
This year’s National General Assembly (NGA) holds particular significance as it marks the historic return of the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) after more than a decade.
The Federal Government’s decision to re-establishing the ACLG reflects their commitment to bring local government back to the table as a trusted delivery partner of services to local communities. It signifies their recognition of the invaluable role local government plays in shaping and improving the lives of our residents.
The theme for the 2023 NGA will be “Our Communities, Our Future”.
When the Federal Government delivered their budget last month, they announced funding to develop a National Urban Policy to address challenges facing major cities. The policy reform is aimed at ensuring urban communities can partner with the Federal Government to deliver essential community infrastructure and precinct-level development.
The NGA provides an opportunity to raise our city’s challenges at national level.
Our current population of 350,000 is expected to top 500,000 within the next decade – it makes us one of the fastest growing cities in Australia, but it also presents challenges, especially in the planning sector.
Growth brings many benefits, such as increased economic activity, job opportunities, and vibrant communities. However, it also presents challenges, such as increased demand for housing, transportation, and infrastructure.
The NGA is a platform to engage with leaders from other local governments, share best practices, and learn from their experiences. By actively participating in discussions and forums, we can ensure that the specific needs for our city are heard.
Mayor Darren Power
City of Logan
