Senate Select Committee on the Cost of Living Hearing – Brisbane, 3 February 2023  - LGAQ CEO Alison Smith's Opening statement 

LGAQ welcomes steps to help address the national housing crisis and an increase in road funding but is disappointed the Federal Budget has failed to reveal an increase in local government funding.

LGAQ has welcomed the Federal Government taking the next step towards delivering up to $200 million a year in disaster prevention and resilience funding.

Quadrupling social housing funding, extending the First Home Owners’ Grant and unlocking abandoned, unused and empty properties are ways to begin conquering Queensland’s housing crisis.

LGAQ looks forward to working with Mr Albanese and the new government to progress the needs of Queensland councils and their local communities.

Voters in critical marginal Queensland seats such as Leichardt and Longman have shown they want the Federal Government to listen to the funding priorities of local councils and communities.

Fraser Coast Regional Council is adding its voice to the national call to restore Financial Assistance Grant funding to councils from the Federal Government back to at least one per cent of taxation.

One of the community's major water intake locations in its World Heritage rainforest is on track for water consumption to outstrip supply by 2025-26.

LGAQ, together with some of Qld’s biggest peak bodies, has reissued the call for the major parties to show they are serious about addressing the housing crisis, should they win the Federal Election.

The peak body representing Queensland councils has welcomed today’s announcement of a $43.5 million Federal Government investment in vital improvements to mobile coverage and broadband services.

Burke Shire Council is helping its community break the cycle with a unique partnership that’s making the seemingly impossible prospect of home ownership a reality.

The LGAQ has renewed its call for federal action on Queensland’s rain and river gauge network, as Queensland communities again prepare for heavy rainfall and flash flooding this week.

The major parties are running out of time to prove they care about the future of Queensland’s local communities by backing funding priorities to benefit every voter, no matter where they live.

The LGAQ is asking the State Government to restore Works for Queensland funding back to $100 million per annum – consistent with historical funding levels.

Queensland councils have welcomed Labor’s commitment to increase funding for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) by $250 million if elected at the May 21 Federal poll.