A RIVERLAND council spent more than $5000 for three representatives to attend a national conference – and a meeting with Anne Ruston – last week.
Renmark Paringa Mayor Neil Martinson, deputy mayor Henry DuRieu and chief executive officer Tony Siviour last week attended the Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) National General Assembly, held in Canberra.
Renmark Paringa chief executive officer Tony Siviour said council had previously declined attending the conference “for several years”.
“Given the events of the past 12 months and the upcoming federal election, council considered there was value in attending this year,” Mr Siviour said.
“The assembly provides an opportunity to understand the opportunities and challenges at a federal level.”
Mr Siviour said the assembly highlighted difficulties associated with the National Waste Policy, and new funding opportunities to support economic recovery from Covid-19.
“There was a strong focus over the course of the assembly on the challenges in delivering the National Waste Policy targets, in which local government will have a large part to play,” he said.
“While these targets will be challenging to meet they also represent huge opportunities through the evolution of the circular economy.
“Through the course of the assembly, council got to understand the major parties’ policy position on social housing, constitutional recognition of local government, the merits of having local government as part of the National Cabinet, returning council’s Financial Assistant Grants to 1 per cent of taxation and the resilience funding opportunities available for councils.
“This included funding opportunities for proactive resilience projects which council was not previously aware of.”
Meanwhile Ms Ruston, the Minister for Families and Social Services, also hosted representatives from South Australian councils – on Monday, June 21 – at Parliament House, to “recognise and thank them for their efforts throughout the coronavirus pandemic, particularly across rural and remote areas”.
Mr Siviour said the event allowed council representatives to discuss ongoing projects with high-ranking politicians.
“Council had the opportunity to meet with several politicians including the Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt, our local Federal Member Tony Pasin and former Renmark resident… Anne Ruston,” he said.
“It is nice to have the opportunity to say thank you while still using the time to speak about future funding and important projects.
“We also had the opportunity to highlight to Minister Pitt and the Murray Darling Association the Australian Water Stewardship Accreditation process that council is currently undertaking, a first for Local Government in Australia.”
Renmark Paringa was the only of the three Riverland councils to be represented at the National General Assembly.