New Alliance to Assist Local Communities in the Pacific

Three leading providers of technical support and capacity building for local government institutions have joined forces to promote urban, rural and outer island development in the Pacific.

Local Government Professionals Australia, Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) and ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability, Oceania (ICLEI Oceania) have signed a tripartite agreement to help Pacific islands adapt to the new multi-dimensional and complex issues they are increasingly facing.

‘The impact that climate change, rapid population growth and urbanisation and other problems are having on things like planning, basic infrastructure and services provision in the Pacific is unprecedented,’ said Ricki Bruhn, LG Professionals Australia National President.

‘They present significant challenges to governments in the region at both the national and sub-national level,’ he said.

‘Our three organisations have unique and extensive networks and experience in local government, with strong relationships in the Pacific,’ said Terry Parker, Strategic Adviser, CLGF.

‘There will be no single solution to overcoming these challenges. We will work with communities to respond to the local context, and provide the appropriate assistance, drawing upon ICLEI’s extensive experience worldwide,’ said Steve Gawler, Regional Director ICLEI Oceania.

The alliance will work to contribute to the Australian Government’s aspirations outlined in its 2017 White Paper on Foreign Affairs and Australia’s aid policy framework.