The peak body for local government in Queensland has repeated its calls for ‘fair funding’ to local communities in next week’s Federal Budget.
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), which represents all 77 councils across the state, is reminding the Albanese Government that any cuts to councils will be cuts to communities.
“We’ve put our Budget submission to the Federal Government, and made the case for funding increases in the key programs that help ensure liveable communities,” LGAQ President, Mayor Mark Jamieson said.
“With just a few days before the Budget is handed down on Tuesday, and yet further pressures on communities with a Reserve Bank rate rise this week, our message is that now is not the time for increased hardship.
"Local government needs the Federal Financial Assistance Grants to be restored to one percent of national taxation – just like they used to be 20 years ago.
“Local government needs these grants to be paid in advance – just as they have been for the past 15 years.
“Further reducing these grants – or tinkering with their payment processes – will all have the same result: cuts to communities.”
Mayor Jamieson said the LGAQ was concerned to hear this week of changes to the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, ahead of next week’s Budget.
“This program has now been cut to funding local roads only, and the recipient list of councils has also been cut,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Now is not the time to increase hardship; we look forward to a Federal Budget next week that will not leave local communities behind.”
For more information, please contact:
Dan Knowles, Media Advisor
Phone: 0432 681 664
Local Government Association of Queensland