• More than a dozen motions to urge Federal Government declare a climate emergency
• Other motions to demand critical action on waste and mandate product stewardship
• Largest annual gathering of Local Government leaders in Australia to meet in Canberra
Waste management, recycling, and climate change are among the topics set to dominate Local Government’s largest annual conference, the National General Assembly, which begins in Canberra on Monday 17 June.
Up to 900 representatives from councils across the country will attend the assembly, convened by peak body the Australian Local Government Association, to press their demands for federal help to confront their communities’ many challenges.
“Local councils are at the front line of dealing with three of Australia’s biggest problems – waste, recycling and climate change,” ALGA President, Mayor David O’Loughlin, says.
“The number of motions from local councils about these topics, plus drought and water security, demonstrates the serious level of concern many local communities have about these challenges.
“Many of Australia’s local councils are responsible for so many services in their local communities, but their level of funding is not commensurate with these responsibilities.”
A special panel featuring industry, civil society and local government will on Tuesday 18 June explore the Australasian recycling label, ways to develop Australia’s circular economy, and hear from Lake Macquarie City Council about how it uses recycled glass, printer toner and plastic bags in council projects such as new roads.
Media are invited to attend the National General Assembly of Local Government at the National Convention Centre and can view the program here: https://www.nga19.com.au/Program.html
