Council ‘needs to work smarter’ in a changing environment: Mayor
This week marks Local Government Week across NSW, and Ballina Shire Council says it provides councils a focus to promote the importance of Local Government to the community.
“The theme for this year’s Local Government Week is A Climate for Change, which reflects not only the current interest in global warming and the issues arising from climate change, renewable energy sources and environmental sustainability but incorporates the need for local councils to adapt in an ever changing world so they can not only survive, but thrive,” Ballina Mayor Phillip Silver said.
“There’s no doubt that councils, like most organisations, need to embrace change to deal with the ever-growing demand of service provision. Particularly in the Northern Rivers where we have, and will continue to see a great migration of new residents to the area putting pressure on all resources,” Cr Silver said.
“We need to work smarter in how we deliver services.
“Ballina Shire Council has a diversity of roles and responsibilities across many areas of importance to our community.”
These roles and responsibilities were carried out in relation to changing social needs, expectations and values, economic pressures and opportunities, and emerging and complex environmental issues, Cr Silver said.
“This challenges Council to balance demands with available funds in order to maximise the efficient and effective use of available resources,” he said.
“Given the diversity of opportunities and challenges, Council acknowledges it must focus on the delivery of the highest quality outcomes for the best use of resources.
“Council cannot provide everything that is considered necessary or worthwhile, but is seeking to ensure that when Council does something, it does it well.”
