Council to attend forum on building communities

Mayor Camilo Blanco and councillor Julie Arif will attend the 2017 National General Assembly of Local Government on behalf of the Town of Port Hedland.

Held from June 18-21, this year’s convention will be held in Canberra with the theme Building Tomorrow’s Communities.

Going to the heart of the role of local government in Australia, key presentations will address how councils, in partnership with other levels of government and the private and not-for-profit sectors, are shaping the future and responding appropriately to the challenges that lie ahead.

The regional forum is an opportunity for mayors, councillors and other key council decision-makers to gather together and share their knowledge and experience in building substantive local and regional capacity.

Town of Port Hedland governance officer Louise O’Donnell said there were many benefits for the Town in attending the convention, through the officers report at council.

“Some of which include building and strengthening Port Hedland’s relationship with other local governments and also with the Federal and State Governments,” she said.

“The mayor and an elected member will be given the chance to participate in forums and gain valuable experience and knowledge which will contribute to running the council in Port Hedland.”

This year’s forum will revisit the question of boosting productivity and discuss the changing face of industry, investment in technology, and employment growth.

It will also provide delegates with an opportunity to hear from the minister for regional development on current policy and program initiatives and a select number of case studies on inspiring regional development projects.