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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 -
Read more about our 17 asks
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 -
Our hearts go out to the many NSW and Queensland communities impacted by intense rain and unprecedented flooding, and particularly to those who have lost homes, businesses and in some tragic cases family and friends. The emergency isn’t over and many councils are still working overtime to save lives, properties and businesses. We welcome the+
Posted 11 March, 2022 -
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has called for more disaster mitigation and climate change funding to help increase Australia’s future resilience to fires and floods. ALGA President Linda Scott said local government is seeking a targeted $200 million per year disaster mitigation fund, as well as $200 million over four years for a Local+
Posted 4 March, 2022 -
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) – with the support of its member State and Territory Local government Associations – has identified 17 priorities for councils and communities ahead of this year’s Federal Election. The full list of priorities can be downloaded here. All Australian councils are encouraged to endorse ALGA’s Federal Election Priorities by passing+
Posted 2 March, 2022 -
Local governments are eager to support efforts to make municipal waste streams cleaner, including bin harmonisation, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) said last week. Appearing at a recycling roundtable convened by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age newspapers, ALGA President Linda Scott said councils also wanted to invest with industry in modern resource+
Posted 25 February, 2022 -
Allowing wider trucks on local roads without increasing local government funding would be a potential recipe for disaster, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) said this month. The comments followed the 11 February Infrastructure and Transport Minister’s Meeting where regulatory changes to increase the width of heavy vehicles from 2.5 metres to 2.55 metres were+
Posted 25 February, 2022 -
A national recycling roundtable I attended last week reinforced my optimism that our efforts to unlock the circular economy are steadily gaining support. This event, hosted by the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and Visy – one of Australia’s largest recycling and packaging companies – was notable for its strong industry presence. I was heartened+
Posted 25 February, 2022 -
Apps to help urban planners and architects reduce construction waste and urban heat are about to be released nationally. Developed by researchers at the University of NSW’s School of Built Environment, the apps use machine learning and computational design to help minimise the environmental footprint of buildings. They do this by assisting build environment professionals+
Posted 11 February, 2022 -
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has used its 2022-23 Federal Pre-Budget Submission to outline a series of partnership opportunities to help drive a strong and inclusive national recovery. ALGA President Linda Scott said Australia’s 537 local governments have the capacity for growing partnerships with the Commonwealth Government – as well as state and territory+
Posted 11 February, 2022 -
I was saddened to learn over the past few weeks that 27 Queensland councils are facing new budgetary pressures due to a reduction in Financial Assistance Grants. This follows a change in the distribution formula used by the Queensland Local Government Grants Commission and comes at a time when financial sustainability is a big issue+
Posted 11 February, 2022 -
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has used its 2022-23 Federal Pre-Budget Submission to outline a series of partnership opportunities that would help drive a strong and inclusive national recovery. ALGA President Linda Scott said Australia’s 537 local government have the capacity for growing partnerships with the Commonwealth Government – as well as state and+
Posted 8 February, 2022 -
The Productivity Commission has released an issues paper as part of its review of the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement (NHHA). Implemented in July 2018, the NHHA is intended to facilitate cooperation between the state, territory, and Commonwealth governments to improve housing outcomes. The Commission will examine the roles and responsibilities of government to help+
Posted 28 January, 2022 -
A national plastics summit focused on designing reusable, recyclable or compostable plastic products will be held in Canberra on February 14. Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley is hosting the summit, which will “will explore opportunities to unlock growth for new industries and new markets”. “We simply can’t keep creating virgin plastic on the scale we+
Posted 28 January, 2022 -
It’s wonderful to be back with you at the start of what will be a big year for local government and indeed our country. ALGA’s federal election advocacy is already delivering wins for our communities, with the Federal Labor Party committing to invest up to $200 million per year in disaster prevention and resilience if+
Posted 28 January, 2022 -
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed $5.5 million in Commonwealth regional arts funding through the Australia Council’s Playing Australia touring program. President Linda Scott said this funding was timely, given the challenges Australia’s performing arts sector has faced over the past two years. “Our community arts sector has been hit hard by the+
Posted 20 January, 2022 -
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed a pre-election commitment from Federal Labor to invest up to $200 million per year in disaster prevention and resilience. President Linda Scott said that ALGA had asked all political parties to support such a program through its 2022 Federal Election Platform. “Currently, less than five percent of+
Posted 12 January, 2022 -
New research shows that around one in 10 Australian libraries, recreation and sporting facilities, community centres, stormwater systems, swimming pools, local airports, bridges and roads are in poor condition with significant defects, requiring increased maintenance or in some cases replacement. ALGA President Linda Scott said this finding in ALGA’s 2021 National State of the Assets+
Posted 17 December, 2021 -
ALGA’s policies and initiatives, at end of the day, are your policies and initiatives. We propose frontline solutions which are informed by your communities and your work on the ground – and your input and guidance adds immeasurably to our effectiveness in progressing shared national objectives. To help build an even better Australia post-pandemic, we’re+
Posted 17 December, 2021 -
We are proud to launch ALGA’s Federal Election Platform. Informed by motions submitted by councils at our National General Assembly, and unanimously endorsed by our Board in conjunction with our member state and territory local government associations, this document outlines 17 national policy initiatives that will optimise Commonwealth/local government partnerships designed to benefit every community.+
Posted 17 December, 2021 -
This past week, on your behalf, I met with the Prime Minister, Premiers, Chief Ministers, and Treasurers as part of the National Federation Reform Council, to ensure local government voices are heard at the national decision-making table. I provided them with an overview of the significant efforts of local governments in 2021 to support communities dealing with the impact of COVID-19. I also used+
Posted 13 December, 2021 -
A national survey to help local government address current skill shortages and identify emerging and future skills needs began this week. Local governments are encouraged to complete the survey to enable a comprehensive analysis of the local government workforce. The survey is part of the Local Government Workforce and Organisational Capacity Project which has been+
Posted 10 December, 2021 -
Australia’s visitor economy needs to diversify its destinations, modernise assets, and collaborate for it to become a top-five export income earner, a new report has advised. An expert panel economy led by former federal tourism minister Martin Ferguson prepared the report, which includes a draft strategy “for the long-term recovery and sustainable growth” entitled Thrive+
Posted 10 December, 2021 -
Two-thirds of all local government assets are in good condition and meet community expectations. Community infrastructure is also lasting longer, while the proportion of infrastructure assets in a poor state of repair has remained relatively constant. The findings are contained in the 2021 National State of the Assets (NSoA) Report published by the Australian Local+
Posted 10 December, 2021 -
A Morrison Government pledge to increase the recycling of waste plastic, glass, paper, and other products has been welcomed by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). The Remade in Australia recycling initiative announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Sydney on Monday includes a renewed focus on improving recovery rates by getting consumers to buy+
Posted 7 December, 2021 -
The National State of the Assets Report 2021 will be launched on 9 December with the key findings to be discussed at an interactive webinar. Federal Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan will attend the launch, along with Infrastructure Australia CEO Romilly Madew, National Farmers Federation President Fiona Simson, and IPWEA President Myles Lind.+
Posted 29 November, 2021 -
State governments should get behind local government efforts to create a healthy and sustainable food system in Australia, a new report says. Councils are already involved in food safety regulations as well as supporting sustainable local food production and reducing food waste, but could potentially do more to encourage the consumption of healthier foods as+
Posted 29 November, 2021 -
Governments will need to invest $30 billion in large-scale coastal protection and adaptation over the next 50 years, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says. A new report prepared for the ICA by Baird Australia says climate change is driving rising sea levels and exacerbating coastal hazards such as tidal inundation, coastal and estuarine inundation,+
Posted 29 November, 2021 -
WIN! Advocacy on Federal Assistance Grants Rewarded ALGA welcomes news last week that the Morrison Government has no plans in the short to medium term to review how Financial Assistance Grants are distributed by state/territory jurisdictions. We welcome the Federal Assistant Minister for Local Government, the Hon Kevin Hogan MP’s undertaking. The ALGA Board has+
Posted 29 November, 2021 -
New funding of $250 million has been announced for the Bridges Renewal and Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programs. Under revised guidelines for the two programs, project proponents can apply for funding to cover up to 80 percent of the total project cost. In another first, the BRP and HVSPP will run concurrently and with+
Posted 12 November, 2021 -
The Bureau of Meteorology is trialling a heatwave warning service with state and territory governments aimed at helping councils, communities and individuals to better plan and prepare for heatwaves. The Bureau has been working across Australian governments, including with local governments in Sydney’s west regarding council requirements on heatwaves. The Bureau publishes public 7-day heatwave+
Posted 12 November, 2021 -
Guidelines for the community infrastructure funding stream of the $600 million Preparing Australia Program have been published ahead of applications opening in December. Grants of between $20,000 to $10 million will be available for proponents of projects which help communities “assess and plan for disaster risk, increase capacity and raise awareness of disaster risk, or+
Posted 12 November, 2021 -
Our strong advocacy for greater targeted funding support for local government mitigation projects paid off last week with the release of the guidelines for the local communities component of the Preparing Australia Program. I’m pleased to report that the Preparing Australian Communities Program is now open to all local government areas at high risk of+
Posted 12 November, 2021
