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ALGA welcomes the Climate Change Bill 2022 and the Climate Change (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2022. Working in partnership with other levels of government, councils can deliver highly effective climate change projects that can mitigate against the production of greenhouse gas emissions, and assist our communities to be better prepared and better able to adapt to+
Posted 12 August, 2022 -
In 2022 ALGA commissioned AEC to undertake an analysis of the importance of Financial Assistance Grants to local government, which found that these untied federal grants contribute more than 20% of annual operating revenue for nearly one in four Australian councils. Financial assistance to local governments from the Commonwealth is relied upon by all councils to provide+
Posted 2 August, 2022 -
As we celebrated the first sitting week of the 47th Parliament in Canberra, your ALGA Board also met to finalise National General Assembly motions and discuss post-election ALGA priorities. I was honoured to be in Canberra to congratulate former ALGA Vice President Tracey Roberts MP on her first speech, and welcome former mayors and councillors,+
Posted 29 July, 2022 -
Climate change, habitat loss, invasive species, and mining continue to threaten at-risk species and ecosystems, the latest State of the Environment report says. Released last week by Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, the State of the Environment Report 2021 paints a sombre picture of the overall outlook for the Australian environment. Among other things, the+
Posted 29 July, 2022 -
New national environment laws enforced by a federal environmental protection agency have been flagged by Environment Minister Tanya Pliberesek. Speaking at the National Press Club last week after the release of 2021 State of the Environment Report, Ms Pliberek said a “fundamental reforming” of national environment laws was needed to restore damaged landscape, repair coral+
Posted 29 July, 2022 -
ALGA President Linda Scott said the Australian National Audit Office’s review of the Building Better Regions Fund was a timely reminder of the importance of fair and transparent federal funding. “Formula based funding programs such as Financial Assistance Grants and the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program are completely transparent, and benefit every Australian community,”+
Posted 29 July, 2022 -
ALGA President Linda Scott has welcomed the climate bill introduced by the Government into Parliament this week, while highlighting the role councils can play in helping meet national emissions targets. “The 2021 Australian Local Government Climate Review found that more than 70 percent of responding councils have set or are planning ambitious emissions reduction targets+
Posted 28 July, 2022 -
WIN! Advocacy for increased disaster mitigation spending rewarded. We applaud the Albanese Government for prioritising greater investment in long-term disaster mitigation measures that will grow the resilience of our communities. Floods that have again devasted Greater Sydney, the Hunter Valley, and surrounding areas show resilience spending must be ratcheted up. That has been ALGA’s long-standing+
Posted 15 July, 2022 -
The Emergency Response Fund will be remodelled to allow local and state governments to apply for more disaster mitigation funding. Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt told a Sydney newspaper last weekend that the government was committed to changing the ERF Act to enable more investment in mitigation projects. “The fact that we’ve got a+
Posted 15 July, 2022 -
A predictive analysis tool to improve road maintenance is a step closer to being rolled out with new trials set to begin in NSW. The Asset AI initiative involves installing sensors on garbage trucks and buses that can track road deterioration, including identifying potholes before they form, and prioritise road repairs. The tool was pre-trialled+
Posted 15 July, 2022 -
Kristy McBain has flagged Constitutional recognition of local government as likely to be on the radar of a second-term Albanese Labor government. Interviewed by a national media outlet this week, the Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister acknowledged councils have long campaigned for constitutional recognition, saying that “I think it will be a priority+
Posted 1 July, 2022 -
Internal migration to the regions has reached a five-year high, with young people leading the way, according to the Regional Australia Institute (RAI). The RAI’s Regional Movers Index report for the March 2022 quarter shows the number of people moving to regional areas rose by 16.6 percent, almost double pre-pandemic levels, with most being Millennials+
Posted 1 July, 2022 -
We had a big win at our 2022 National General Assembly last week when our new Minister Catherine King committed to working with Minister Kristy McBain to re-establish the Australian Council of Local Governments. This is an annual meeting with the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Mayors, Shire Presidents, and councillors that was founded under the+
Posted 1 July, 2022 -
Local government leaders from around Australia gathered in Canberra from 20-22 June 2022 for the 28th National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA). This event was held on the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal people, and the Assembly paid its respects to their elders past, present and emerging, and acknowledged the vital and ongoing contributions+
Posted 22 June, 2022 -
Today councils from across Australia have come together at the 2022 NGA in Canberra to support the people of Ukraine, unanimously passing the following motion: “We the delegates of the 2022 National General Assembly of Local Government stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and its legitimate elected democratic governments in seeking peace, security and stability+
Posted 21 June, 2022 -
Speaking to councillors yesterday afternoon at the National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government in Canberra, Leader of the National Party David Littleproud said excluding local government from Cabinet was a mistake by the previous Government. ALGA President Linda Scott it was encouraging to see growing support for including local government in national decision-making. “We welcomed+
Posted 21 June, 2022 -
The CSIRO has attributed a 29 percent reduction in plastic pollution along Australia’s beaches and coastline to strong local government measures. New research by the national science agency builds on a 2013 survey where researchers circumnavigated the entire continent inspecting beaches and other coastal areas in 100km increments. Then, in 2019, they used a targeted+
Posted 17 June, 2022 -
A pilot program to improve the collection and recycling of agricultural plastics has begun in Victoria’s Lodden Mallee region. Collection sites at the Mildura Rural City Council landfill, the Swan Hill Rural City Council landfill, and North West Ag Services in Ouyen are accepting table grape covers and irrigation tubes from horticulture and grain silo+
Posted 17 June, 2022 -
I’m looking forward to next week’s National General Assembly, and with close to 1,000 mayors and councillors set to attend, it’s going to be our biggest NGA in almost a decade. From Sunday through to Wednesday, we will explore the partnerships we have – and the partnerships we need – to deliver real progress in+
Posted 17 June, 2022 -
Congratulations to our new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his new Labor Federal Government. In a massive win for councils and our communities, the local government portfolio was elevated to Cabinet this week with the appointment of our new Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government, the Hon Catherine King MP. Former Bega+
Posted 3 June, 2022 -
A Sydney council trialling recycled glass in road repairs is reporting significantly higher compaction rates and road-base strength. Using small pieces of glass in the sub-base of asphalt to try and reduce the occurrence of potholes, the Canterbury Bankstown Council said results showed a 20 percent greater compaction in the road surface, meaning it is+
Posted 3 June, 2022 -
The Commonwealth should lift spending on extreme weather resilience measures to $200 million a year for five years, Australia’s peak insurance body says. In a flooding and future risks study published last month, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) also calls on the states and territories to match this funding of $1 billion over five+
Posted 3 June, 2022 -
On behalf of Australia’s 537 councils, ALGA President Linda Scott has congratulated incoming Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his new Labor Government. “We look forward to working with our new Federal Government to build a stronger future for our nation that leaves no community behind,” Cr Scott said. “Working together we can deliver a better+
Posted 23 May, 2022 -
Place-based initiatives are the key to meeting the growing demand for housing in the bush, the Regional Australia Institute says. New research by the RAI released last week suggests the influences driving regional housing markets differ markedly, a fact not always fully appreciated by policymakers, industry and regional leaders. RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said the+
Posted 20 May, 2022 -
Development of the Second National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction has been stepped up with the release of a discussion paper. The National Recovery and Resilience Agency (NRRA) has carriage of the action plan and is seeking feedback and comments to inform its development. The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is also involved in+
Posted 20 May, 2022 -
Working together, Australian councils have secured billions of dollars for our communities in the lead-up to tomorrow’s Federal Election. This includes commitments from both major parties to extend the $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. The Coalition has committed an additional $500 million to this program if re-elected, and Labor has pledged $750+
Posted 20 May, 2022 -
Australia’s 537 councils have secured billions of dollars in additional funding for Australian communities in the lead-up to this year’s Federal Election. ALGA President Linda Scott said these funding commitments from the Coalition and Labor will see more federal funding provided to every Australian suburb, town and region. “We often see election commitments targeted to+
Posted 17 May, 2022 -
Labor’s proposed $250 million expansion of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program would benefit every Australian community through better local sporting facilities, new and upgraded libraries and playgrounds, and safer roads. ALGA President Linda Scott said local governments had strongly advocated to both major parties for more LRCI funding in the lead-up to+
Posted 4 May, 2022 -
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) and the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) are calling on the next Federal Government to include local government representation on National Cabinet. ALGA President Linda Scott said including local government on National Cabinet and key ministerial meetings and forums such as the Council on Federal Financial Relations would help create+
Posted 2 May, 2022 -
All councils are encouraged to pass a motion supporting ALGA’s Federal Election Priorities at their next council meeting. A draft council motion can be downloaded here. ALGA has prepared a range of creative materials that councils can use to participate in the national “Don’t Leave Local Communities Behind” Federal Election campaign. These materials can be+
Posted 28 April, 2022 -
As the Federal Election nears, we’re stepping up to back your calls for the Australian Local Government Association to be on National Cabinet, the nation’s peak decision-making forum, as well as a voting member of all relevant Ministerial meetings and forums, including the Council on Federal Financial Relations. Thank you to Baw Baw Shire, the+
Posted 22 April, 2022 -
Disaster relief funding has been set aside to rebuild flood-impacted libraries and community facilities in NSW in a departure from historical practice. Usually, only public assets deemed essential (roads, bridges, levees public hospitals, schools and hospitals, etc) qualify for DRFA support when directly damaged by an eligible disaster. However, an omnibus of support measures announced+
Posted 22 April, 2022 -
The federal government is to examine Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) spending with a view to strengthening reporting requirements for the states. Announcing the review last week, Federal Emergency Management Minister Bridget McKenzie, pictured, said the Commonwealth had allocated more than $12 billion to the states following disasters over the past decade. “Often it takes+
Posted 22 April, 2022 -
Working with the Commonwealth, councils can reduce the 20 million tonnes of rubbish sent to Australian landfills each year while creating new jobs across our nation. ALGA President Linda Scott said Australia faces a looming waste and recycling crisis without immediate and sustained investment from all three tiers of government. “We are running out of+
Posted 19 April, 2022 -
Councils are committed to partnering with the next Federal Government to reduce the social and economic disadvantages experienced by many Indigenous Australians. ALGA President Linda Scott said local governments are seeking a $100 million per year fund that would support the capacity of councils to Close the Gap and help implement the Local and Regional+
Posted 14 April, 2022 -
Australians can’t afford a lack of action from the next Federal Government on disaster mitigation. ALGA President Linda Scott said natural disasters currently cost Australia $38 billion a year and are forecast to rise to as much as $94 billion by 2060. “We know we can’t completely avoid future disaster events, but we can better+
Posted 12 April, 2022 -
It was encouraging to see our call for the extension of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program rewarded in last week’s Federal Budget, with a two-year $500 million extension. This program has supported councils to deliver nearly 7,900 projects, created an estimated 9,000 jobs, and helped shield our economy through the worst of the+
Posted 8 April, 2022 -
A federal parliamentary inquiry has recommended setting up a regional aerodrome infrastructure fund accessible to owner/operators. The interim report into Australia’s general aviation industry said the ongoing financial viability and adequacy of airport infrastructure in rural and regional communities was a clear issue, with significant financial pressure being placed on local councils. “It is alarming+
Posted 8 April, 2022 -
Publishing star ratings for all roads would enhance accountability around road safety targets, a federal parliamentary inquiry has found. The final report of the Joint Select Committee on Road Safety also suggests that Commonwealth funding for road safety and road infrastructure projects be conditional on the provision of data on road safety outcomes. “Where practicable,+
Posted 8 April, 2022 -
With stronger funding partnerships, councils could help deliver more affordable housing, reduce cost-of-living pressures for families, provide safer local roads, and increase profits for Australian businesses. ALGA President Linda Scott said sustained investment in local government infrastructure would unlock a wide range of benefits. “Expanding the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program would support councils+
Posted 7 April, 2022 -
Local libraries, playgrounds, sporting grounds and community centres are at risk unless the Federal Government addresses the downward slide in Financial Assistance Grants provided to councils. Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) President Linda Scott said the total value of these grants as a percentage of Commonwealth taxation revenue had dropped in this week’s Federal Budget+
Posted 1 April, 2022 -
Strong advocacy from the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) and Australia’s 537 councils has delivered a $500 million extension of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program in tonight’s 2022-23 Federal Budget. ALGA President Linda Scott said this extension would help councils deliver more libraries, sporting facilities, community centres, bike paths and playgrounds in their local+
Posted 29 March, 2022 -
Fact Sheet 1 – Financial Assistance Grants The 2022-23 Budget maintains the system of payments to support local government, through Financial Assistance Grants. In 2022-23 the Australian Government will provide $2.8b in Financial Assistance Grants funding. This includes $2.1b which will be brought forward from the 2022-23 estimate and paid to State and Territory Governments+
Posted 29 March, 2022 -
Alongside Australia’s 537 councils, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is urging the Government to extend its highly successful Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program in Tuesday’s Federal Budget to create jobs, drive economic development, and ensure no community is left behind. ALGA President Linda Scott said this $2.5 billion program has assisted Australia’s+
Posted 28 March, 2022 -
With more than three million Australian homes and businesses at risk, the Government must prioritise funding for natural disaster mitigation in next week’s Federal Budget. Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) President Linda Scott said the NSW and Queensland floods showed Australia is failing to adequately plan for natural disasters. “These floods have devastated our communities,+
Posted 25 March, 2022 -
We had a big win this week with the Prime Minister announcing a $60 million expansion of the Commonwealth’s Recycling Modernisation Fund. ALGA has consistently advocated for increased investment in waste and recycling, and this additional funding will be targeted towards new opportunities to recycle soft plastics such as bread bags and chip packets. In+
Posted 25 March, 2022 -
Click here to listen to Alicia outlining #NGA22 – and check out our 2022 National General Assembly registration brochure for more detailed information. Jennifer Westacott AO will discuss national economic recovery in a keynote address at the 2022 National General Assembly of Local Government. Ms Westacott is CEO of the Business Council of Australia and+
Posted 25 March, 2022 -
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) – with the support of its State and Territory Member Associations – will implement a coordinated advocacy campaign in the lead up to the next Federal Election. This campaign will highlight opportunities for increased partnerships between federal and local governments in the areas of economic recovery, transport and community infrastructure, building resilience, circular economy and Intergovernmental relations, while also progressing+
Posted 25 March, 2022 -
Single-use plastics like bread bags and chip packets will be targeted with an additional $60 million investment in the Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF). Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the Budget-related announcement on Monday, saying the new funding will help develop new waste technologies that boost production of remanufactured plastic products and support the Remade in+
Posted 25 March, 2022 -
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Posted 24 March, 2022 -
A national conversation is needed about “where and how people build homes” after extreme events like the Queensland and NSW floods, Shane L Stone says. The National Recovery and Resilience Agency (NRRA) Coordinator-General told a Sydney newspaper last week that residents whose homes had been inundated must “face realities”. “The taxpayer and the ratepayer cannot+
Posted 11 March, 2022 -
A national emergency has been declared for parts of NSW and Queensland as the federal government ramps up support for flood-affected communities. Grants of $1 million to support urgent clean-up works have been made available to 45 local government areas in NSW and 19 in Queensland. After declaring the emergency – the first time this+
Posted 11 March, 2022
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