On November 18, 2008 the historic fi rst meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) gave life to the spirit of the founders of our Federation.

They envisaged the creation of a Federation from the bottom up; from the great states and regional areas of Australia.

The Australian Council of Local Government, chaired by Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Anthony Albanese, lays the groundwork for a new, equal and stronger partnership between the Commonwealth and local spheres of government.

Janelle Saffin joined Ballina Mayor Phil Silver, Clarence Valley Mayor Richie Williamson,
Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell, Richmond Valley Deputy Mayor Shirley Wheatley
and Kyogle Mayor Ross Brown in Canberra for the historic
fi rst meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government.

There is now a framework to develop a more coherent planning reform agenda for nation building.

Through this framework, we can improve service delivery that provides local solutions to local communities.

During her fi rst year in office, Janelle Saffin has worked to build a close relationship with the elected leaders and general managers of with the five Local Government Areas in the electorate of Page.

Ballina Shire mayor Cr Phil Silver, Clarence Valley mayor Cr Richie Williamson, Kyogle Shire mayor Cr Ross Brown, Lismore City mayor Cr Jenny Dowell and Richmond Valley deputy mayor Cr Shirley Wheatley made a great impression in Canberra, clearly advocating their communities’ priorities. 

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced that a $300 million down payment on the Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program was ready to be spent … now.

This economic stimulus package, brought forward from the 2009-10 Budget, is an additional part of the Rudd Labor Government’s economic security strategy.

The funding to local councils is for ready to-go projects such as upgrading local halls, libraries and sporting fields. These will create jobs, help sustain local communities and foster social inclusion.

The Prime Minister also announced that $8 million would be spent on a new Centre of Excellence for Local Government, likely to be based at an existing university.

On November 18 Cabinet ministers and backbenchers were in direct discussions with more than 400 mayors and shire presidents from almost every postcode in Australia.

The venue may have been Parliament’s Great Hall yet it had the atmosphere of a big town hall meeting.

The historic fi rst meeting of the ACLG provides the opportunity to address issues of local importance and national significance, including Constitutional recognition of local government.

A smaller group of the ACLG will carry forward the work of the ACLG between the annual meetings with mayors and shire presidents.

MP IN TOUCH: Page is a big electorate at 16,000 square kilometres, and Janelle is committed to reaching people
in all areas, from the small towns to the major centres. As well as holding community meetings in small towns,
Janelle regularly sets up a mobile offi ce at local markets, shopping centres, and street stalls in CBDs, so look out for her signs and pop over to see her..