Leeton Shire Council has endorsed two major advocacy initiatives aimed at strengthening the future sustainability, liveability and wellbeing of rural and regional communities.
At its May Ordinary Council Meeting, Council formally backed the Country Mayors Association of NSW "Invest in Us" campaign, which is calling on the Federal Government to restore Financial Assistance Grants to local government to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.
Council also endorsed Local Government NSW's "Caring for our Regions" Action Plan and Dr Joe McGirr's "Better Care, Closer to Home Alliance" campaign, both advocating for improved access to healthcare services across rural and regional NSW.
Mayor Cr George Weston said both initiatives reflected issues that directly affect communities like Leeton Shire every day.
"Local Government is not a cost, it is an investment in communities," Cr Weston said.
"Councils deliver the roads, parks, libraries, pools, community facilities and local services people rely on every single day, yet rural councils are being asked to do more with less. Fairer Federal investment is essential if communities like ours are to continue growing and thriving."
Cr Weston said the "Invest in Us" campaign would help raise awareness of the important role local government plays in creating strong and connected communities.
"Investing in local government means investing directly in local people, local businesses and the services and facilities communities often take for granted," he said.
Council's endorsement of the rural health campaigns builds on its continued involvement in the Leeton Collaborative Care initiative, which is focused on improving care coordination, mental health services and access to primary healthcare locally.
Cr Weston said improving access to healthcare remained one of the community's strongest priorities.
"People in rural and regional communities deserve safe, timely and quality healthcare closer to home," he said.
"Our community has consistently told us they want better access to doctors, health professionals and local services. Both health campaigns are about practical, long-term solutions that strengthen healthcare delivery in rural communities and improve outcomes for local families."
As part of the resolutions, Council will now write to Federal and State Government representatives advocating for increased investment in local government and stronger support for rural and regional healthcare services.
