Getting towards the end of a century of discussions?

Third, Sydney had a "greater Sydney planning council" from Postwar Reconstruction (1945) to 1964. Founder of the planning profession (with John Sulman), first LG Minister JD Fitzgerald's 1919 draft LG Act would have allowed one or more councils to prepare "planning schemes" for the Minister's consideration – implemented from 1945.

A comparison of Greater Brisbane and Greater Newcastle has shown the critical impact of franchise, politics and of the ward system. The early Greater Brisbane Council kept its rates down by using profits from trading arms to subsidise municipal administration. The government was annoyed and passed special legislation to appoint a State public servant in 1939 to take over the City's management, leaving the Council standing on the side. Newcastle's tribalism continued.

A major problem is the number of "hats" that mayors and councillors have to wear which cause overwork and stress, conflict and worry. Italian and other latin cultures have a high personal involvement by mayors but it's unlikely that Australians would tolerate that (a tendency that way led to the sacking of several councils). The Irish system has protections for general managers, to balance the aspirational roles of local politicians.

The mooted package of systemic and organisational reforms would enhance local democracy and councillors' regard, managerial professionalism, planning (and career prospects for planners), and the efficiency of state and local government. It has been endorsed by many community leaders, the most eminent of whom described it as a "good reference in future policy directions" in local governance reforms.

It is great that the local government community can discuss their ideas; so long as the whole process, from go to whoa, is on a well-lit path leading to a positive future for our communities which takes our communities with them.

It is also great to see the NSW Premier integrate planning, local government and executive management so as to achieve better outcomes; and for public servants to be able to open agenda to the best ideas from the community.