- Posted on 29 Sep 2026
- 4-minute read read
On 21 August 2026, the Centre for Local Government (CLG) hosted a delegation from the People's Republic of Bangladesh at the UTS City Campus. The nine representatives hailing from the Dhaka, Brahmanbaria and Munshiganj districts of Bangladesh were led by Local Coordinator, Mr Emon Khan.
A highlight of the visit was a comprehensive presentation provided by Tish Creenaune, CLG Associate Director, who gave delegates a deeper understanding of Australia's federated system of government, local government governance, strategic planning, financial sustainability and state-local government planning relationships. The delegates engaged in conversations about how collaboration between governments can improve policy outcomes and strengthen community resilience.
The program began with an overview of Australia's three-tiered system of government. Delegates learned about the responsibilities of each level of government and the importance of coordination between them to deliver services, infrastructure and community outcomes. The presentation highlighted the critical role local councils play as the level of government closest to communities, with responsibilities ranging from local infrastructure and community services to land use planning and environmental management.
The delegation was then introduced to the strategic planning framework that guides local government decision-making in Australia. Discussions focused on how councils develop long-term plans that align community priorities with service delivery, infrastructure investment and financial management. Our presenter outlined how strategic planning enables councils to respond to key challenges facing local government in Australia and build towards local government policy priorities such as local autonomy and governance, fiscal flexibility, economic impact, intergovernmental relations and capacity building.
The presentation also explored areas of local governance innovation and cooperative arrangements. Through the Joint Organisation model and other collaborative arrangements, councils work together on strategic planning, infrastructure advocacy, economic development, resource sharing and regional service delivery. These models were presented as practical examples of how local governments can enhance efficiency and achieve outcomes that extend beyond individual municipal boundaries.
Another significant focus of the visit was the relationship between Australian state and local governments in planning and development. The delegates from Bangladesh learned about different governance arrangements commonly used in planning and development. These included partnership models, where state and local governments work closely together on planning outcomes; cooperation models, which emphasise shared objectives and coordinated decision-making; and direction models, where state governments exercise a greater degree of control over planning decisions and policy implementation.
The session provided delegates with opportunities to discuss shared challenges between Australia and Bangladesh. Participants exchanged knowledge, explored policy approaches and learned how different levels of government work together to support local communities and economic development.
The visit firmly reinforced the value of international collaboration in addressing complex policy challenges and promoting effective, innovative and sustainable local government governance.
This article was developed by the Institute for Public Policy and Governance at the University of Technology Sydney, which provides evidence-based advisory services, research and professional development in social planning and community development.
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