President’s Update – 13 October 2025
It’s been exciting to attend and speak at several state conferences in recent weeks, and learn more about the challenges and issues affecting your councils.
We want to better understand your local situation and how we can provide ‘local solutions to national priorities’.
WALGA’s recent conference in Perth explored the importance of leaving a lasting, positive legacy as a local government.
Last Thursday, I engaged with council leaders and spoke at the MAV conference in Melbourne, where I outlined our key policy achievements and funding priorities to help build stronger, safer and more productive communities. This aligned well with the conference focus of having shared leadership, and building trust and confidence in local government at a community level.
I was also impressed by comments from Victoria’s Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos about the importance of financial sustainability for councils, and the need to increase federal funding, including through Financial Assistance Grants.
I’m looking forward to attending the 2025 LGAQ Annual Conference from 20-22 October at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Book now for 2025 Roads Congress
With only four weeks to go, I encourage everyone to register for the 2025 National Local Roads, Transport, and Infrastructure Congress in Bendigo from 11-12 November.
This not-to-be-missed annual event will feature a range of high-profile guest speakers, including Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Senator Bridget McKenzie.
The Congress theme for this year is Driving National Productivity, and the event has a strong focus on how roads form an essential part of the nation’s productivity. It’s also a great opportunity to hear about the latest methods on practical road maintenance through to managing a safer road network.
See the full program, and register now.
Jobs and skills audit and survey
Finally, I encourage all councils to participate in the upcoming Local Government Skills Workshops, being delivered in partnership with Public Skills Australia (PSA) as part of the national Local Government Skills Audit and Jobs Survey.
The 2025 LG Skills and Workforce Survey will open later in the year, but the workshops are happening now and are a key opportunity to help shape this work and share insights on workforce challenges and training needs.
Our next workshops will be held in regional Queensland and Melbourne, and I strongly encourage councils to attend.