Mayor column: with Cr John Harvie

Published on 22 May 2025

Along with over seventy rural and regional councils, I recently attended the Local Government NSW Rural and Regional Summit at the State Library of NSW in Sydney. The summit provided a critical platform to discuss sector-wide issues such as financial sustainability, disaster resilience, building reforms, local water utilities and biosecurity threats.

We heard from NSW Local Government Minister, Hon Ron Hoenig MP, who expressed concern about regional and rural councils being disadvantaged by funding models. He indicated a willingness to visit councils to discuss and understand individual councils’ financial sustainability issues firsthand. Council will now issue a formal invitation to the minister to visit our region. 

We also learned that the Office of Local Government, following a rash of applications for permanent rate increases of up to 90%, has now determined that Special Rate Variations will only apply to short term projects such as infrastructure upgrades. A new pathway to seek permanent rate increases above the rate peg has been created and will involve a higher-level review of council’s financial situation and reasons for applying before IPART can make a determination. 

Building Commissioner, James Sherrard spoke about the severe shortage of tradespeople which has led to an increase in compliance breaches by unqualified people on building sites. Even in our area! He outlined how the commission is tackling this issue and how you can report shoddy workmanship or building defects through the commission website. Just search for ‘lodge a home building complaint’ via service.nsw.gov.au 

You can also check if you are hiring a building contractor or tradesperson - for services such as residential building, wiring, plumbing, draining, gas fitting, air conditioning or refrigeration work (except plug-in appliances) - that they have a valid contractor licence. 

You can search for a licence online. If you cannot find it, contact NSW Fair Trading to confirm that the person holds a contractor licence. To check a contractor’s digital licence or certificate, search for ‘check a digital trade licence’ via service.nsw.gov.au

We also heard addresses by Minister for Water, Hon. Rose Jackson MLC and Shadow Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman MP and I was able to ask questions and put MRC’s position in relation to on-going financial sustainability and proposed water price increases.

The president of the NSW Upper House, Hon. Ben Franklin MLC hosted a welcome to parliament cocktail event. I had a great chat with Ben and learned that he has fond memories of growing up in Barham.