Creating a domestic recycling scheme, removing mobile phone black spots and taking action to address climate change are three important items Nillumbik Shire Council has put on the agenda at the Australian Local Government Association conference this week.
These issues will now all be up for discussion at the Canberra conference – and Council hopes they’ll be supported and added to a national advocacy campaign.
Nillumbik Shire Council Mayor Karen Egan said putting these items on the national agenda would benefit councils and residents across the country.
“Many councils are facing the same issues and we look forward to working collaboratively to address them and seek support from the Federal Government,” Cr Egan said.
“Nillumbik has led the way when it comes to recycling for so many years and developing a domestic industry would mean we would no longer be reliant on China and other counties.
“We saw first-hand the issues created by the combination of mobile phone blackspots and bushfires on Black Saturday. Poor mobile phone coverage puts people’s lives at risk during emergencies, and councils need certainty that funding will continue in this area.
“For many resource-constrained councils, finding funds to reduce our own emissions through our buildings, lighting and fleet upgrades is extremely difficult given the competition for a myriad of community needs.”
Nillumbik’s three motions call on the Australian Government to:
take a lead in supporting and potentially establishing a domestic recycling industry to address the current market failure;
provide direct funding to assist local government to address the risks of climate change through the development of renewable energy facilities and support related community actions; and
secure further Mobile Black Sport funding to increase the safety, well-being and liveability of regional and rural communities.
The National General Assembly runs 16-19 June.
