ALGA has joined a chorus of rural and regional Australia leaders to call for funding to support regional areas in the upcoming Federal Budget.
Based on its pre-Budget submission, ALGA is asking for a significant boost to road funding in the upcoming Budget along with an extra $250 million per year over four years to support disaster-declared regional councils rebuild for greater climate resilience.
Local government is also calling on the government to deliver its election promise of a “fair increase” in Financial Assistance grants, which provide untied funding for councils.
ALGA President Linda Scott told Australian Associated Press (AAP): “These grants are the key mechanism for the Labor Government to show confidence in regional Australia.
“For councils on the north coast, it allows them to invest in communities to support rebuilding after the floods, or on the south coast it may allow them to retrofit surf clubs to serve as evacuation centres in the case of future bushfires.
“In Western Australia, it supports councils investing in housing to accommodate regional and remote populations.”
Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8176497/budget-should-recognise-potential-of-rural-australia/