I endorse this petition, raised by Hawkesbury resident Marcus Claxton. It's high time to build the new bridge over the Hawkesbury. It's disappointing to see the same small group of vocal activists who don't seem to have any genuine interest in the best engineering solution, or the concerns of thousands who are stuck in the traffic at North Richmond every day, and whose primary motivation is bashing the Liberal government.
Sign the petition today! ... See MoreSee Less
13 hours ago
While I was in Canberra for the 27th National General Assembly of Local Government, I stopped in to talk with Senator Andrew Bragg at Parliament House. We disagree on some issues, and agree very much on others. I've particularly appreciated his work in Superannuation reform, and in contributing to the ongoing public debate about the appropriate balance between religious freedoms and individual liberties. More importantly, Andrew is prepared to work hard, and never levies an argument without having thought and researched deeply first.
Working more closely between Local Governments and our Federal counterparts is why I came down here, and Andrew was an attentive listener. ... See MoreSee Less
2 days ago
I’m down in Canberra at the 27th National General Assembly of Local Government, and it has been a valuable experience.
My head is swimming with statistics – the presentations have been excellent, covering the effects of COVID (both economic and health), initiatives to make communities more resilient, new technologies that aid in planning, communication and environmental protection. Enough for several other posts, but here are some headlines:
In 1996, Financial Assistance Grants – the main way the Federal Government assisted Councils, was 1% of Federal taxation revenue. Now, it has declined to only 0.55%, half of what it used to be. Despite the annual feeding-the-chickens announcements we’re used to (like the very welcome boost to the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program), support from the Federal government to Local governments has declined in real terms for decades.
Councils, through levying rates and charges, take in just 3.2% of ALL tax in Australia. Yet we’re responsible for 32% of all public infrastructure, including 75% of roads.
COAG – the Council of Australian Governments, was founded in 1992 and was traditionally the table where all the tiers of government sat down. When that was replaced by the ‘National Cabinet’ last year, Local Governments were no longer at the table, and right at the time when our voice needed to be heard the most as COVID hit.
That’s why I’m here. To learn, listen, and advocate for a better deal.
#NGA21
Australian Local Government Association ... See MoreSee Less
3 days ago
When I was elected to Council in September 2016, all Councillors were given a Windows laptop, a new iPhone & iPad, both with a SIM card, a printer, and a wireless modem & router to facilitate Internet access at home.
I didn't need or want most of these resources. I handed the laptop and iPhone back, and have never used the wireless modem router. Representing the community is a privilege, and I was happy generally to use my own resources for Council business.
Last night I brought a Notice of Motion to Council to review this policy and save Council some money. I'm pleased to report it was passed unanimously.
Read more...
councillorzamprogno.info/2021/06/16/saving-council-money-by-trimming-councillor-perks/ ... See MoreSee Less
1 week ago
How much did you know about a proposal to build a 130 room motel on the old Millers Nursery site on the corner of McGrath Rd at McGraths Hill? Probably not very much. The transfer of power away from elected Councillors and to bureaucratic 'planning panels' has resulted in people being less informed than ever, and reveals a Council still unable to process DA's in a reasonable timeframe, forcing some applicants to the Courts for redress.
What do you think of this proposal? Did you know about it? I'm interested in your thoughts.
councillorzamprogno.info/2021/06/14/proposed-mcgraths-hill-motel-development-knockback-prompts-li... ... See MoreSee Less
2 weeks ago
Second COVID jab done.
Please get vaccinated.
It’s safe, and protects both your health and that of those who are more vulnerable. ... See MoreSee Less
2 weeks ago
