Decision details

Memorandum by the Chief Executive Officer

To Council:

This memorandum seeks Council's consideration of the nomination of Councillors as voting delegates to the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Annual Conference, to be held from 22 to 24 November 2026 at the WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres, Wollongong.

The Annual Conference is the supreme policy-making body of LGNSW and an opportunity for councillors to come together to share ideas and debate issues that shape the way LGNSW is governed and advocates on behalf of the local government sector.

Councillors will receive email notifications directly from LGNSW, but should direct all questions and requests to Secretariat, who will coordinate and manage all arrangements with LGNSW on behalf of Councillors, including conference and voting registrations.

Registration as a Voting Delegate

The City of Sydney will be entitled to register up to 10 voting delegates for motions. It is proposed that Council nominates the Lord Mayor and all Councillors as voting delegates. Voting delegates may not appoint a proxy to attend or vote at formal business sessions on their behalf. Registrations for voting on motions will be managed by Secretariat.

Conference Program / Motions

The conference will include discussion and debate on a range of motions from councils relating to current and emerging policy issues facing local government in NSW.

The Local Government NSW Policy Platform consolidates the numerous policies and positions of Local Government NSW, as determined by members, into a single document for ease of reference for members and stakeholders.

The full conference business paper is generally available one week prior to the conference.

Councillors' Expenses and Facilities Policy

Councillors Arkins, Ellsmore, Maxwell, Thompson, Weldon and Worling were the City of Sydney delegates at the 2025 LGNSW conference held in Penrith.

Expenditure incurred for the conference totalled $11,497 (GST inclusive). The Councillors' Expenses and Facilities Policy provides for Councillors to attend the LGNSW conference at the City's expense.

Funds are available in the 2026/27 operating budget to cover registration fees, travel and other reasonable expenses incurred by Councillors.

MONICA BARONE PSM

Chief Executive Officer

Moved by the Chair (the Lord Mayor), seconded by Councillor Gannon –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council appoint the Lord Mayor and all Councillors as its voting delegates at the Local Government NSW Annual Conference, to be held at the WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres, Wollongong from 22 to 24 November 2026;

(B)       Council note all registration fees, travel costs and other reasonable expenses associated with the attendance of Councillors at the Local Government NSW Annual Conference will be met by the City in accordance with the Councillors' Expenses and Facilities Policy; and

(C)       Council note that a spouse, partner or other person may accompany a Councillor at the conference, and the City will meet any associated ticket costs.

Carried unanimously.

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