Leeton Shire Council has joined councils from across Australia in calling on the Australian Government to deliver fairer funding for local government, following a unanimous resolution at the Australian Local Government Association's (ALGA) National General Assembly in Canberra.
In response to a Mayoral Motion presented at its 29 June Ordinary Council Meeting, Council endorsed its support for ALGA's emergency resolution urging the Australian Parliament to increase untied Financial Assistance Grants to local government, restoring them to one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.
Mayor Cr George Weston said financial sustainability was the dominant issue discussed by the nation's 538 councils during the National General Assembly and is a challenge shared by local governments across Australia.
"While every council is different, the message from across the country was clear. Councils are finding it increasingly difficult to meet growing community expectations while dealing with rising costs and limited funding," Cr Weston said.
"Leeton Shire Council is no exception. We've been open with our community about the financial challenges we face, and it's important people understand this is not unique to Leeton. Councils across Australia are calling for a fairer funding partnership with the Commonwealth."
Financial Assistance Grants are untied Commonwealth funding that allows councils to direct investment where it is needed most, supporting essential infrastructure and services for local communities.
Cr Weston said increasing untied funding would give councils greater certainty to plan for the future and respond to local priorities.
"Every community deserves safe roads, reliable infrastructure and quality local services. Fairer funding would help councils continue delivering these essentials while reducing pressure on communities to fund the growing gap themselves," he said.
Council's resolution supports a joint letter from Australia's local government sector, signed by state and territory local government association presidents and tabled with every Member of the House of Representatives and the Senate, calling for an immediate $3.5 billion increase in untied Financial Assistance Grants.
