Campbelltown has been quietly forming a new alliance with four South Coast council areas – Wollongong, Kiama (pictured above), Shellharbour and Shoalhaven.
Also included in what is currently known as the LG8 partnership are local government areas closer to Campbelltown – Camden, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee.
“This collaboration reflects the growing connections between Greater Sydney Macarthur, the Illawarra and the Southern Highlands, and provides an opportunity for councils to engage with State and Federal Governments on matters affecting this broader corridor,’’ stated Campbelltown Mayor Darcy Lound in a statement to council at its monthly meeting.
This was in response to a request from the minister of local government Ron Hoenig for the views of all NSW councils on regional collaboration.
The minister also asked each council to inform him of what their future plans were.
“Campbelltown has long recognised the value of working beyond local government boundaries to advance shared regional priorities,’’ Mayor Lound wrote in the mayoral minute tabled at council on March 10.
“Our relationship with the other Macarthur councils, Camden and Wollondilly, demonstrates the strength of this approach.
“Through this collaboration, councils have been able to engage with State and Federal Governments on matters of shared regional interest, while continuing to address the individual needs of our local communities.’’
The mayor pointed out that Campbelltown Council has also been an active member of The Parks – Sydney’s Western Parkland Councils, an alliance comprising Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Penrith and Wollondilly.
This alliance provides a forum for member councils to discuss matters affecting the Western Sydney region and to coordinate engagement with government where appropriate.
Council voted to reaffirm Campbelltown City Council’s strong commitment to regional collaboration across the Macarthur region through its ongoing partnership with Camden and Wollondilly Councils.
In its response to the minister, it will also confirm its continued participation in The Parks – Sydney’s Western Parkland Councils (to be known as the Outer Western Sydney Alliance), and participation in LG8.