President’s Update – 4 August 2025

I met with several Federal Ministers and Shadow Ministers in Canberra last week to highlight our national advocacy agenda, including to progress the inquiry into local government sustainability.

During these meetings at Parliament House, I highlighted how sustainably funded councils can deliver local solutions to national priorities.  I explained the key role we can play to improve local infrastructure, increase housing supply, prepare for natural disasters and adapt to the changing climate.

Watch a video below about some of my engagements.

As part of these meetings, I highlighted our submission to the Federal Government’s Economic Reform Roundtable, being led by the Treasurer.

The submission addressed the Government’s three priority areas of improving productivity, economic resilience and budget sustainability and outlined the key role councils can play to meet our national productivity goals.

A well-resourced council can play a significant part in the nation’s productivity goals.  We continue to advocate for the reinstatement of the inquiry into local government sustainability to ensure the Government continues this important piece of work.

We look forward to working with the Government on this national priority.

Climate adaptation webinar

I was honoured to welcome more than 200 people to our climate adaptation webinar last Wednesday.

The well-attended webinar focused on how Australia’s councils are investing in climate adaptation to future-proof communities.

The session outlined ALGA’s ground-breaking climate adaptation research, produced by Nation Partners, based on more than 200 examples of councils taking positive action to address climate impacts.  During the second session, we heard from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, about the resources available to local governments to understand and manage climate risks. I encourage all those interested to join their community of practice to continue to link into free resources and others keen to share ideas.

2025 Roads Congress

Later this week you will see the preliminary program for the 2025 National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress to be held in Bendigo, regional Victoria, from 11-12 November.

The annual Congress will focus on roads, transport, mobility, road safety and community infrastructure, and provides a valuable opportunity to expand professional networks and connect with local government leaders, decision-makers and suppliers.

Register now for early bird tickets.