Victoria Park mayor Karen Vernon to fly to Canberra for National General Assembly of Local Government

An inner-city mayor will travel to Canberra to meet elected members of other local governments later this year.

Town of Victoria Park mayor Karen Vernon will fly to the nation’s capital in July to take part in the annual National General Assembly of Local Government.

The council was unanimous in its decision to support her trip, which will cost almost $3000.

Held from July 2 to 4, the NGA is Australia’s largest gathering of local government elected members and works to encourage advocacy and leadership skills.

“The National General Assembly is the one opportunity that elected ministers across the country get to come together and discuss matters that are significant for the local government sector,” Ms Vernon said.

“There will be over 150 likely motions on the floor to be debated by voting delegates that are all for advocacy made by the Australian Local Government Association on behalf of the sector, so it’s important to be part of those conversations.”

This year’s theme, Building Community Trust, will discuss topics related to housing, climate change, communications, peri-urban councils and regional cities.

“All motions supported at the NGA are submitted to the Australian Local Government Association board for consideration and, ultimately, to advance the cause of local government and the communities they seek to serve,” a town report said.

City of Belmont mayor Robert Rossi will also attend the NGA.

City of Perth mayor Basil Zempilas, City of South Perth mayor Greg Milner, City of Bayswater mayor Filomena Piffaretti and City of Vincent mayor Alison Xamon will not attend.

It is undecided whether Town of Bassendean mayor Kathryn Hamilton will attend.