[Greens-Media] Local Government facing Coalition push

[David Shoebridge]

MEDIA RELEASE
25 October 2010
 
Local Government facing Coalition push 
 
Ahead of Local Government Association elections today Greens NSW MP and Local Government spokesperson David Shoebridge warned that NSW was in serious danger of sliding completely into the hands of the Coalition.
 
"In LGA elections being held today in Albury there is a real prospect of Coalition councillors seizing control of the peak body," Mr Shoebridge said.
 
"If the Coalition takes control of the Local Government Association, then local government will lose its voice following the inevitable defeat of the ALP in the March 2011 State election.
 
"On key issues such as planning reform and amalgamations there is a real concern that if the association falls into the hands of the Liberal/National Coalition then it will give an incoming government in April 2011 a free hand to do a great deal of damage to local interests across NSW.
 
"Across NSW The Greens have a close working relationship with progressive independents in local government.  
 
"This has led to the Independent/Greens network leading the LGA in recent years, and seen growing opposition to state government control of local issues.
 
"Local government must have a voice independent of the Government of the day, Mr Shoebridge said.
 
The election results will be known before midday today. The Greens are supporting independent Keith Rhodes the mayor of Port Macquarie in the contest. The Coalition are running Cr Matthews from Dubbo.
 
For more information:
 
David Shoebrige         0408 113 952
Mark Riboldi               0433 753 376
 
 
David Shoebridge
Greens MLC
NSW Parliament
PH: (02) 9230 3030
FX: (02) 9230 2159
www.davidshoebridge.org.au