Mildura Rural City Council Mayor Ali Cupper and Chief Executive Officer Martin Hawson have added their voices to a united call by 538 Local Government areas across the country calling for the Australian Government to rectify the “lack of unfair untied funding for Local Government”.
The motion refers to what are commonly known as Financial Assistance Grants that Local Government areas have the flexibility to invest where it is most needed in their municipalities.
Mr Hawson said the Financial Assistance Grants are a vital part of Council’s financial planning and unfortunately are not keeping pace with cost pressures communities are facing.
This means the current level is far below what is needed to support Councils, and in turn communities.
The motion moved unanimously at this week’s Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly in Canberra, takes the extraordinary step to collectively write to the Australian Parliament, warning of “a financial crisis affecting Local Government in this country”.
The motion states:
“We come from all corners of the continent and represent every community in Australia, but we are speaking with one voice to say that the lack of unfair untied funding for Local Government – as a percentage of national taxation – is threatening the viability of Councils across the country.
“This crisis is particularly acute in rural, regional and remote areas of Australia where communities are the most isolated and Councils face the biggest financial challenges. Our cities and urban Councils are also facing rapid growth that puts pressure on their ability to meet the needs of their communities.
Councils provide vital services and infrastructure that our national economy and productivity rely upon. The success of our Australian system of government depends upon our Councils succeeding at a grassroots level.”
