LRACs Broaden Focus to Whole Inner West

The Inner West Council Local Representation Advisory Committees (LRACs) are broadening their focus, with the Committees combining into one, whole of Inner West group.

Inner West Council Administrator Mr Richard Pearson said that the new structure would allow the Committee members to work together on issues that affected the entire local government area.

“Our LRACs initially reflected the boundaries of the previous councils to help the community and former councillors begin the transition to the new Council,” he said.

“But this interim period is all about creating a new, unified local council.

“It is time that the former councillors were given the opportunity to look beyond their old boundaries and forward to the expanded Inner West Council area.

“The new Inner West Council Local Representation Advisory Committee will allow them to focus more closely on larger strategic and policy matters that will govern and guide the Council well into the future.

An immediate and very important project for the LRAC to contribute towards is the establishment of the Vision and Priorities statement for the new Council.

“I know many of them are keen on this challenge and hope to be a part of the new Council following elections next year,” said Mr Pearson.

“If they are to deliver on the vision and values of the new Council, it makes sense for them to be front and centre in their development.”

Mr Pearson said that the Committee would also provide input into the allocation of the one-off $14 million dollar Stronger Communities funding.

“The Stronger Communities funding is available until the end of 2019 for new and improved infrastructure or services for our local community,” he said.

“We want robust input from the LRAC members on big picture infrastructure and services priorities.

“Operating as a combined LRAC will help the committee members to consider the LGA as a whole and give equal import to projects from across the inner west council area.”

Other critical policy and organisation issues that the LRAC will be asked to help develop include:

• Council’s Affordable Housing Policy
• Council’s response to the Greater Sydney Commission’s draft Central District Plan
• Council’s operational Plan and Budget for 2017/18