Mayor column: with Cr John Harvie

Published on 04 June 2026

I have previously written in this column about restrictive elements of the new NSW local government model code of meeting practice that came into effect from January this year.

Particularly, the banning of briefing sessions where councillors can ask questions about items contained in the business paper to get a better understanding of the issue and therefore make a more informed decision.

Restrictions placed on councillors attending meetings of council by audio visual link and prohibiting councillors from discussing issues outside of a formal council meeting were other points of contention, particularly for rural and regional councils.

The minister’s refusal to budge on these and other elements of the new code resulted in a motion by Dr Amanda Cohn of the Greens to disallow the new Code of Meeting Practice.

The motion was passed by the upper house last week meaning that the Model Code is now void and under section 41 (4) of the Interpretation Act 1987, council will rescind the new code and revert to using the previous code.

ATTENTION ALL SPORTS CLUBS - FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, EARLY ADVICE.

Round 1 of the ‘Game-on: Teaming up for climate action funding program’ opens on July 1 and closes at 9pm on July 28 and is NON-COMPETITIVE, which means that if you submit an eligible application really early you will be in a good position to receive funding.

The program consists of two rounds over three years from July 2026 to July 2028, and will deliver $35.262 million. The minimum application amount is $25,000 and the maximum amount $100,000.

The program will provide funding for up to 500 community sports clubs, helping them upgrade their facilities to be more climate resilient and energy efficient.

The program will support community sports clubs to decarbonise their operations and reduce energy bills through energy efficiency, electrification and climate resilience upgrades.

Overall, the program aims to reduce energy costs and emissions at community sports facilities, helping clubs redirect savings into resources and participation growth. It also encourages sports clubs and communities to embrace practical sustainability and energy-transition initiatives.

If you have any questions, contact Community Grants Hub at: support@communitygrants.gov.au