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Cobar Shire hosts 2023 Western Division conference Cobar Shire Council last week hosted the Representatives from the Cobar, Balranald, ment Secretary Brett Whitworth and State 2023 Western Division Councils of NSW Wentworth, Broken Hill, Central Darling, Member for Barwon Roy Butler. annual general meeting and conference. Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett, Bogan and Car- Mr Butler spoke about the need to create a The annual meeting provides a platform for rathool shires attended. more effective partnership between regional Local Government representatives to hear from Following Minister Hoenig’s address, at- councils and government. and meet with various Ministers (including the tendees also heard from the Department of “One that keeps the current level of funding new Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoe- Regional NSW Secretary, Rebecca Fox, Shad- going to regional areas, with room to increase nig) and representatives from a range of State ow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, it, but is based on a more equitable model of Government organisations. Sam Farraway MLC, Office of Local Govern- distributing resources and delivering services to the bush,” Mr Butler said. “A recent survey showed one in five city people are thinking of moving to the country, so it is vital this partnership is fully functioning to ensure the bush can capitalise on the potential boom. “Many local councils already have solutions to issues that affect their communities but they need to do it in a strong, reliable, collaborative relationship with the State Government.” Central North Police District Superintendent Gerard Lawson spoke about the rise in youth crime in the region; Transport for NSW Regional Director West, Alistair Lunn outlined some of the projects underway in the region; Western NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Mark Spittal talked about health care in the western region; Ken Harrison from NSW Reconstruction Authority discussed government disaster planning; Gavin Priestly from Public Works outlined current projects. On Day 2 Ross Earl from Regional Development Australia spoke about opportunities in employment recruitment from overseas; Department of Regional NSW Executive Director of Regional Delivery and Liveability, AshCobar Shire Council general manager Peter Vlatko, Shadow Minister for Regional ley Albury talked about the government’s Transport and Roads Sam Farraway MLC, Local Government NSW president Darriea priorities with regards to housing; and Lisa Turley AM, Broken Hill deputy mayor Jim Hickey, Cr Lillian Simpson, Mayor Peter Miller outlined the Department of Energy & Climate Change Impact on Local Government. Abbott and Chair of the Western Division, Broken Hill Cr Dave Gallagher APM.
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Page 2 The Cobar Weekly Wednesday August 16, 2023
