Glen Innes Severn Council welcomed the Hon. Ron Hoenig, NSW Minister for Local Government, to the region yesterday for a series of productive discussions and site visits focused on understanding the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural communities.
Mayor Margot Davis expressed her appreciation for the Minister’s time and interest.
“We sincerely thank Minister Hoenig for taking the time to visit Glen Innes Severn and engage directly with our Council and community,” Cr Davis said.
“This was a valuable opportunity to provide a firsthand perspective on the issues we are navigating, as well as the potential we see for the future.”
The visit began at Glen Innes Town Hall, where the Mayor and General Manager Bernard Smith discussed key structural challenges facing rural councils.
Topics included the impacts of cost shifting, the need for long-term financial sustainability, and improvements to the current Special Rate Variation (SRV) process.
“Rural councils are expected to deliver core services and infrastructure with increasingly limited resources,” Cr Davis said.
“It’s vital that state decision-makers understand the pressures we face and support reforms that reflect these realities.”
“Minister Hoenig’s experience as a former Mayor means he understands firsthand the breadth and depth of responsibilities local governments shoulder, and we appreciate his recognition of the challenges councils like ours are navigating.”
Council also briefed the Minister on broader strategic goals to support population growth, build resilience and improve liveability across the region.
The visit included time with local trainees funded through the NSW Government’s Fresh Start Program, as well as tours of key local destinations, including the award-winning Sweetie Pies Bakery, the Australian Standing Stones, Glen Innes Highlands Skywalk and the Highlands Hub.
Council welcomes continued dialogue with the NSW Government to ensure rural and regional communities are not only heard but also empowered to thrive.
Media Release: Glen Innes Severn Council
