President’s Update – 9 December 2025

Over this week we have seen the tragic loss of life and homes to bushfires across Australia. My sincere condolences to the family of Cr Mark Mudie, Deputy President of the Shire of Ravensthorpe, who died fighting fires in Western Australia. My thoughts are with all these communities, and their councils as they work tirelessly to respond to the immediate threats and manage long-term recovery.

The Federal Government recently passed the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act reforms in Parliament. These reforms will make a real difference to councils who work within existing complicated laws.

But the real test begins now as the rubber hits the roads to implement these reforms. Councils must be part of this process at every step otherwise good intentions risk being undermined by unfunded cost‑shifts and administrative churn. As the closest level of government to our communities, we know what our communities need to establish a new environmental protection system that works. However, ALGA remains clear, councils cannot afford to do more with less. The responsibilities of councils cannot grow without practical support and funding.

ALGA continues its advocacy through Ministerial Forums, like the recent Local Government Ministers’ Forum and the Infrastructure Transport Ministers’ Meeting.  Across each forum, our message has been consistent, local government is a key delivery partner on productivity measures and must be equipped accordingly.

LGNSW Annual Conference

It was terrific to join the LGNSW Annual Conference at Penrith. Conferences like these are where our shared priorities sharpen, and I want to thank delegates for the frank, constructive contributions.

I also congratulate Darcy Byrne on his election as LGNSW President, thank outgoing President Phyllis Miller for her significant service, and acknowledge Cr Darriea Turley AM’s well-deserved recognition as patron.