COUNCIL ACHIEVES KEY POLICY OUTCOMES AT LGNSW CONFERENCE

Published on 26 November 2025

Glen Innes Severn Council delivered a strong advocacy performance at the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference, held at Panthers Penrith from 23–25 November 2025. The conference brings councils from across the state together to shape sector-wide policy and influence state and federal priorities.

Council was represented by Mayor Cr Margot Davis, Deputy Mayor Cr Carol Sparks, Cr Anne Vosper, and General Manager Bernard Smith.

Council submitted seven strategic motions addressing priority issues for rural and regional communities. All motions were carried, except for the Biochar Industry Roadmap, which was deferred to the LGNSW Board for further consideration. These motions covered the following key areas:

Council and Community Place-Based Funding – Seeking a new framework for recurrent, untied resources to support wellbeing outcomes, helping local programs that improve health, community services, and overall quality of life.
Visitor Economy and Destination Management – Calling for investment in tourism development and digital innovation, which could bring more visitors, boost local businesses, and create jobs.
Economic Development – Proposing dedicated programs for precinct planning and inclusive growth, supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for sustainable community growth.
Housing – Requesting a NSW Rural and Regional Local Housing Infrastructure Fund to tackle housing pressures, helping families, workers, and seniors access affordable and suitable homes.
Federal Assistance Grants (FAGs) – Reinforcing the call to restore funding to 1% of Commonwealth taxation revenue, ensuring essential local services like roads, libraries, and community programs are maintained.
Biochar Industry Roadmap – Supporting implementation of the Australian Biochar Industry 2030 strategy for sustainability and circular economy benefits, creating jobs while protecting the environment.
Councillor Remuneration – Advocating for fair recognition of the evolving responsibilities of councillors and mayors, so they can focus on representing the community effectively.

Glen Innes Severn Council was also selected as the lead council for two motions—recognition that its policy proposals are well-constructed, strategically aligned and influential within the sector.

Mayor Cr Margot Davis said the outcomes confirm the importance of effective regional advocacy.

“Our motions reflect not just local priorities, but the shared challenges of rural and regional NSW. Seeing them carried by the conference shows that our work is helping to shape the statewide agenda,” Cr Davis said.

“The LGNSW Conference is one of the most important advocacy opportunities we have. By presenting strong motions and building coalitions across the state, we help ensure that funding, housing, roads, services, tourism and economic development stay on the agenda of both State and Federal Governments.”

Cr Davis added, “When councils speak with a unified voice on issues like infrastructure, housing and financial sustainability, our advocacy carries far more weight — and that benefits our entire community.”

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