Efficient use of funding has always been of utmost importance for Councils. But in such turbulent economic times, how can local government ensure they are planning and making decisions which are both in the best interests of their community and their long term financial viability? 

Thursday 18 May, 5:30pm AEST / 8:30am BST 

This panel event will take place online via Zoom. 

Chris Eddy and the VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt will moderate a Q&A style discussion with a panel comprising:

• Dr Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU International, Chair
• Darren Fuzzard, Chief Executive Officer, Mount Alexander Shire Council, Australia
• Kerry Robinson OAM, Chief Executive Officer, Blacktown City Council, Australia
• Kate Lackie, Interim CE, Highland Council, Scotland
• Seán Ó'Riordáin, Director, Public Policy Advisors Network, Ireland

Key areas of discussion for our panel will include: 

• How to plan for costs you aren’t now aware of
• How to plan a long-term budget given the current economic landscape
• How to allocate funds in a cost-of-living crisis or recession
• How to make a 4-year plan when it’s difficult to forecast the next six months.
• Council decision-making in the post-pandemic era