Next week, the Local Government Association of Australia’s annual conference will be held in Canberra. Every council in Australia can put forward motions for debate.
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These must be received in writing and in advance of the agenda being circulated to ensure that every councillor can view them.
It is normal for a large number of motions to be presented, and where one or more are very similar they are usually amalgamated to make a singular motion.
Motions can usually be looked upon in various ways, and some may categorise them into the following groups:
- Will the federal government give us more money?
- What would be a good idea for my region or state?
- What would be good for my council, but not necessarily others.
- Social issues that it would be nice if somebody addressed.
- Social issues that are well and truly outside the scope of local government to handle.
Often the last two seem to take up the most time and usually divide the delegates the most.
We all want more money, we all want the best for our councils, and we all would like the world to be perfect according to our own various values.
But local government cannot solve many of the issues we face in society and doesn't have the financial resources to be able to do so. However, most councils assist in community projects where they can and do try to give direction on issues that are their responsibility.
At the weekend, the Apsley races had to be moved to Hamilton due to wet conditions affecting the track at Edenhope.
The normally large crowd in attendance was reduced to a modest crowd.
Congratulations must be given to the hard-working committee to be able to continue with the event. Also, to the Hamilton club for making their venue available. The fields were good, the racing close, and those in attendance seemed to be enjoying themselves.
It should make each of us aware of how much our sporting clubs bring to our towns. It is costly to put on such an event but the money usually circulates locally. Often local economies are greatly impacted when a sporting club is affected. Next year the races will be bigger and better.