Narrabri Shire Leads Advocacy Efforts at 2024 General Assembly
Published on 11 July 2024
Narrabri Shire Council has emerged as a leading voice at the 30th National General Assembly of Local Government, successfully advocating for a series of critical motions to strengthen local government services and community trust.
Narrabri Shire delegates were joined by more than 1,200 local government leaders from 2-4 July, where all seven of the motions submitted by Council passed.
The motions championed by Narrabri Shire Council highlighted a commitment to addressing key issues facing rural and regional communities;
- Motion 4 – Constitutional recognition: Advocating for the constitutional recognition of local government to ensure stable and predictable funding and legislative support.
- Motion 71 – Insurers’ responses to flood claims and management of household/business insurance costs: Calling for a review and reform of insurers' responses to flood claims and the overall management of insurance costs to better protect households and businesses in flood-prone areas.
- Motion 76 – Housing and homelessness: Seeking expanded programs and policies to tackle housing shortages and homelessness, ensuring all Australians have access to safe and affordable housing.
- Motion 107 – Equity and accessibility of bus transport within remote and rural communities: Promoting initiatives to improve the availability and accessibility of bus transport services in remote and rural areas.
- Motion 109 – Provision of childcare: Advocating for increased support and resources for childcare services to meet the growing needs of families in rural and regional communities.
- Motion 113.1 – Regional/rural health advocacy: Pushing for enhanced healthcare services and infrastructure to address the unique challenges faced by regional and rural health systems.
- Motion 156 – Management of waste products from renewable industries: Emphasising the need for effective management and recycling of waste products generated by renewable energy industries.
Council's efforts align with the theme of the 2024 General Assembly, "Building Community Trust," underscoring the importance of trust in governments, and their ability to serve and protect communities.
"The passing of these motions is a significant achievement for Narrabri Shire and rural and remote communities across Australia," said Narrabri Shire Mayor Darrell Tiemens.
“I was very proud of our team, and I received many comments about our small Council (population wise) making such an impact on a national stage.
"We are committed to continue advocating for policies and programs that enhance the capacity of our council to deliver essential services and infrastructure.
“Building and maintaining the trust of our community is paramount, and these initiatives will help us achieve that goal."
Taking advantage of this vital opportunity to advocate for new or expanded programs and key policy initiatives, Narrabri Shire Council was the lead agency for six of their strategic motions.