It comes after NSW Local Government Minister Gabrielle Upton announced a revised Model Code of Conduct for Councils designed to “improve ethical standards, effectively deter non-compliance and lead to improved transparency and accountability”.

If approved, the proposed changes would require councillors to refuse “gifts” or “benefits” valued at over $50 and declare all gifts of a lesser value in writing to the general manager regardless of whether the gift was accepted or not.

Serving councillor Rod Kendall believes it’s an unrealistic expectation .

“You’ve got to be careful with gifts but I have no doubt in my mind that this proposal is a step too far,” Cr Kendall said.

“It’s almost impossible to keep an accurate list of every time you receive a gift of some description and these changes would include things like cups of coffee at a meeting or shouting a beer after golf.

“Do I have to declare it when someone shouts me a round if I’m shouting the next one anyway?”

Cr Kendall challenged Ms Upton’s assertion the new proposed requirements would put an even greater onus on councillors to behave appropriately, arguing state and federal politicans operated under “totally different expectations.”

“The critical point here is that Codes of Conduct, including gifts and benefits, should be exactly the same for local, state and federal politicians and it’s not,” he said.

Councillors Vanessa Keenan and Tim Koschel were more supportive of the proposed changes.

“I will support any proposal that increases council transparency,” Cr Keenan said.

“We’re not in an environment where any ambiguity should exist and there are issues that can arise from accepting gifts in these positions.”

“We’re there to represent the local community and it’s easier to be upfront and honest in these circumstances,” Cr Koschel added

“$50 might not seem like much but I’m happier to declare any gifts and usually make a habit of not accepting them anyway.”

Residents can view proposed changes here.