Griffith City Council has joined more than 500 councils from across Australia in calling on the Federal Government to deliver fairer funding for local government.
Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran, Councillor Shari Blumer and General Manager Scott Grant attended the Australian Local Government Association's National General Assembly this week, where delegates endorsed an emergency motion calling for fairer funding for local government and backed a joint letter to be tabled with every Member of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Mayor Curran said councils across the country were facing growing pressure to maintain infrastructure and deliver essential services while managing rising costs.
"Local government is responsible for many of the services and facilities our communities rely on every day, including roads, parks, libraries, sporting facilities and waste services," Mayor Curran said.
"Like many regional councils, Griffith City Council is working hard to meet increasing community expectations while managing significant financial pressures."
The motion calls on the Australian Government to increase Financial Assistance Grants, which provide councils with flexible funding that can be directed towards local priorities.
Mayor Curran said stronger federal support would help councils continue delivering the infrastructure and services communities need now and into the future.
"Councils know their communities best. Fairer funding will allow us to plan with greater certainty and invest where it matters most for our residents," he said.
The National General Assembly brought together representatives from Australia's 538 local councils to discuss key issues affecting communities across the nation.
