Mayoral Memo - 29 November 2023
The nature of meetings with elected representatives has changed dramatically over the last few decades. I had a discussion with a developer several years ago and he was telling me how complicated development has now become. He told me about a previous development he had done with a Council. “I put a BBQ on at the actual site of the development. Councillors came along and had a look at my vision, had something to eat and drink, and it was all approved!” He was complaining about the amount of paperwork that was required with a modern development. With documents such as an Environmental Impact Statement; Statement of Environmental Effects; Heritage Impact Statement; Acoustic Report; Flora and Fauna Report and so much more, he posited that it is amazing that any developments still occur!
While I am quite certain that his previous development did require some paperwork to support his BBQ, there is no doubt that planning requirements have changed significantly and meetings with elected representatives have also changed.
This week I will be spending some time at Parliament House in Sydney meeting several politicians including the Hon. Penny Sharpe, MLC, Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister for the Environment, Minister for Heritage; the Hon. Ron Hoenig, MP, Minister for Local Government; the Hon. Jenny Aitchison, MP, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads and Helen Dalton, MP.
Some people still have the impression that a Council needs to sit down with a Minister and secure a few million in funding. In just the same way as the BBQ story would not be applicable now, sitting down with a Minister and expecting a handshake for grant funding is not just unrealistic, it would be poor oversight on the use of public funds.
To receive funds for any project, there needs to be an applicable grant available and comprehensive application processes need to be followed.
You may ask what is the point of having meetings with Ministers?
Insight. Understanding. Sharing knowledge. Take the upcoming meeting with Penny Sharpe. Last month Penny announced $128 million over the next four years to deliver community projects and employment opportunities in the CWO REZ. Fantastic news! But…what projects could that be applied to? How much can Dubbo access of that immediately? When can we access it? Councillors want to start planning on how they can use this money for the benefit of our residents but we need more details. Penny is not going to give me the green light on any projects when we meet but I will find out more information so we can discuss options internally and be ready when the funding guidelines are released.
Ministers also need to hear from Councils to help shape future decisions and building a trusted relationship with members of parliament can allow better outcomes for all residents.
Councillor Mathew Dickerson
Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council
Last Edited: 28 Nov 2023