DAY one of the Local Government NSW Annual Conference wrapped up on Monday after a busy program of policy discussion and special presentations.

The conference continues today with guest speakers and the announcement of the host destination for the 2026 annual conference.

Yesterday was opened with an address from NSW Premier Chris Minns, who acknowledged the hard work of mayors and councillors across the State and thanked the local government sector for their delivery of critical services to every community.

Premier Minns spoke of the need for greater collaboration between State and Local Government to address the housing crisis which is seeing New South Wales fall behind other states in terms of housing delivery.

The Premier acknowledged State Government departments have been part of the slow processing of development applications in the past but was hopeful the recent planning reforms will help increase supply into the future.

Premier Chris Minns and Phyllis Miller at the Local Government NSW Annual Conference.

The Premier also highlighted the various benefits of the $250million Fresh Start Program, which has funded the employment of apprentices and trainees at every council in New South Wales over the past 12 months.

The day’s business then turned to consideration of 136 motions submitted by councils across the State.

The motions covered a range of issues including the role of council in addressing the housing crisis, the State’s transition to renewable energy and the need for increased funding and support for local water utilities.

Each motion considered at conference represents an issue that councils are facing across the state and outcomes will directly inform LGNSW’s advocacy to the state and federal Governments for the coming year.

Rounding out the day, there was a special acknowledgement of former president Darriea Turley who had earlier been announced as Patron of the organisation. Cr Turley, from Broken Hill City Council has served as a Director since the combined organisation was created in 2013 and was elected president in 2021.

Outgoing president Phyllis Miller commended Cr Turley’s service to the sector.

“As president, Darriea worked professionally and tirelessly with three different local government Ministers and two Premiers, as well as countless federal and state ministers, Cr Miller said.

“But, most notably, she formed strong and meaningful relationships with mayors, councillors and council staff across the state.

“Her unwavering dedication to our sector and her strong leadership of LGNSW put us in a tremendous position of strength and I thank her for her hard work and dedication.”