Shoalhaven City Council has joined councils from across Australia in supporting a united call for increased federal funding to help secure the long-term sustainability of local governments and the essential services they deliver.
At the recent Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly, councils endorsed an emergency motion calling on the Australian Government to provide an immediate increase in untied funding.
Mayor Patricia White said Shoalhaven strongly supports the initiative that recognises the growing pressures facing councils nationwide.
"Local councils play a critical role in delivering the infrastructure and services our communities rely on every day, from roads and libraries through to parks, waste and community facilities," Cr White said.
"Untied funding provides the flexibility councils need to make locally informed decisions that deliver the greatest benefit for residents," she said.
"For Shoalhaven, like many regional councils, we are balancing the challenges of maintaining large infrastructure networks while also supporting population growth and community wellbeing."
Cr White welcomed the collective advocacy effort by ALGA and councils across the country.
"It's encouraging to see such a strong and unified voice from local government.
"This is about working in partnership with all levels of government to ensure communities like Shoalhaven continue to thrive, with the infrastructure and services they deserve," she said.
Council will continue to advocate for fairer, more sustainable funding arrangements to support its community now and into the future.
