Walcha Council general manager Jack O’Hara, councillor Peter Blomfield and Walcha Mayor Eric Noakes along with his deputy Clint Lyon all listened to keynote speaker Minister for Local Government Paul Toole outline the NSW Government’s commitment to strengthen the local government sector.

Mr Toole said the NSW Government had undertaken the most significant reform to the local government sector ever seen. 

“We have created new councils across NSW, we are transforming the way regional councils work through the development of Joint Organisations and the Far West Initiative, and we're modernising the Local Government Act," Mr Toole said. 

Mr Toole said the Annual Conference provided an opportunity for new and returning councillors to shape the future of local government and address the everyday issues that matter to local communities. “Last month’s council elections saw many new faces elected to councils across the State, and it was very pleasing to see many of them at this year’s conference,” he said. 

Newly elected to the council, Mayor Noakes said he found the conference useful for learning protocols while experienced council general manager Jack O’Hara said he thought the revised IPART rate reforms were timely.

“The current system is 23 years old, and I welcome the new proposal,” he said.

“Council will review the IPART report at our next meeting and I think will probably support most of the recommendations.”

Mr Toole launched a new strategy at the conference for a long-term plan to boost the workforce of councils.