On behalf of councils, ALGA attended the Intergovernmental Steering Committee on road safety meeting last week in Sydney.

ALGA engaged with senior leaders and representatives from the Commonwealth and state and territory governments to review the progress of the National Road Safety Action Plan (2023-25), and discussed the ongoing governance of road safety strategies.

The Action Plan was agreed by all Infrastructure and Transport Ministers in December 2022, and has been developed cooperatively by all levels of government, in consultation with road safety stakeholders and ALGA.

The committee also discussed the drafting of a new National Road Safety Action Plan for publication in 2026, which is due to be completed by December 2025.

ALGA attended the Global Nature Positive Summit from 8-10 October to share and highlight the contributions local governments are making to caring for the environment.

Delegates participated in discussions about the opportunities to enable ‘local action’ on climate change and biodiversity restoration across the country through greater recognition of local governments’ role and improving resources.

Co-hosted by the Australian Government and NSW Government, the summit involved participants across many sectors, including First Nations and Pacific Island, business, and advocacy leaders and NGOs.

Key topics discussed included long term sustainability, addressing the financing gap in emissions reduction and nature protection, and opportunities to improve carbon and biodiversity markets as a supplementary tool to government funding.

Participating in these discussions enabled local government needs and opportunities to be incorporated into national policy frameworks to achieve better community outcomes for a climate and biodiversity-changed future.

Several high-profile speakers have been announced for the 2024 National Local Roads, Transport & Infrastructure Congress from 3-4 December in Western Australia.

As outlined in the provisional program, Stephen Hodge from national cycling advocacy body WeRide will discuss active transport as part of a concurrent session on 3 December along with Al Reid from microFleet, who is a trailblazer in reducing transport emissions.

Sara Hales, from Avistra Aviation Consulting, will also present on regional airports of the future on 3 December and draw on her valuable insights about sustainable and resilient aviation connectivity and infrastructure.

The conference is being held at Margaret River HEART, in Margaret River, located about three hours south of Perth.

Early bird registrations are now open for the 2024 Congress – click here to register.

A major highlight of the 2024 National General Assembly was four new listening sessions held on 2 July on housing and community infrastructure, emergency management, roads and transport and energy transition.

Facilitated by the Melbourne Leadership Group, these sessions featured a free-flowing exchange of ideas and debate between councils, the federal public service and other key stakeholders.

These discussions have been captured in a Listening report, outlining the key themes explored and provides examples of lived experience of participants.

* Please note, this report is a summary of the views of attending stakeholders at each listening session, and the discussions and views outlined in these sessions reflect the personal views of the attendees and does not necessarily reflect the positions of ALGA.

Highly successful 2024 NGA

It was wonderful to welcome more than 1200 of you to our historic 30th National General Assembly in Canberra.

There were so many memorable highlights, including the historic first public speech of Australia’s new Governor General Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC.

During the week, we also heard from Federal Ministers the Hon Catherine King MP and the Hon Kristy McBain MP, as well as Shadow Ministers the Hon Senator Bridget McKenzie and the Hon Darren Chester MP, and many outstanding keynotes and panellists.

I was honoured to speak at the National Press Club on 2 July, where I highlighted how councils improve the lives of Australians every day in many ways that other levels of government simply can’t.

We also considered a record number of your council motions this year, and I look forward to bringing these NGA resolutions to our next ALGA Board meeting, and using them in our federal advocacy.

Win! Second round of HSP funding

At the Australian Council of Local Government Forum on 5 July, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the second stream of the Government’s Housing Support Program (HSP) is now open for applications from state, territory and local governments.

The $450 million Community Enabling Infrastructure Stream will provide funding for enabling infrastructure and community amenity projects, and applications are due by 16 August.

We advocated for this new funding program, and I urge you to think about the shovel-ready projects your councils can nominate.

New reports released

During the NGA, I was delighted to officially launch the 2024 National State of the Assets report Future proofing our communities.

Prepared with the support of IPWEA, the report showed since 2021 the amount of local government buildings and facilities in poor condition has dropped from 10 per cent to eight per cent.

We also released new research from SGS Economics and Planning, which shows a sustainable local government sector could boost Australia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by up to $7 billion per year.

National housing summit

Finally, a reminder to register for ALGA’s inaugural National Local Government Housing Summit at the Adelaide Town Hall on Friday, 16 August. This is an important opportunity to have local government’s voice heard on a complex but pressing issue across the nation.

We will be releasing a more detailed program this week which will focus on the key role we can play addressing Australia’s affordable housing crisis.

I hope to see you there!

Local government inquiry hearing

On behalf of Australia’s 537 councils, I was delighted to appear before the Parliamentary inquiry into local government sustainability in Canberra last week.

During the hearing, I highlighted new ALGA research showing local governments could boost Australia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by up to $7 billion per year, and create more liveable communities if councils were sustainably funded by the Federal Government.

Due to be released this week, the research shows a $1 billion annual investment in local government roads would increase Australia’s GDP by $3.5 billion per year, and an extra $350 million for parks and open space could increase GDP by $900 million per year.

With more responsibilities being forced on to Australia’s councils, I also highlighted a range of solutions to consider and address the financial challenges and funding shortfalls currently faced by local governments.

As part of our comprehensive, evidence-based submission we made five key recommendations to the committee, with the number one priority being increasing untied Financial Assistance Grants for local government to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.

Win! Early payment of FA Grants

In an advocacy win, the Government responded to our call and delivered an early payment of Financial Assistance Grants to councils last week.

This untied funding is critical for councils, and bringing forward 85 per cent of our 2024-25 allocations will greatly assist with budget planning and certainty for the new financial year.

We appreciate every dollar of federal funding we receive, which helps to build and maintain local pools, libraries, cultural centres, cycleways and skate parks that are vital for vibrant, liveable communities.

Meeting with WA Minister Hannah Beazley

I was honoured to meet with Western Australia’s Minister for Local Government Hannah Beazley in Canberra last Thursday.

We discussed the importance of emergency management support for our councils, particularly with increased frequency of emergency events.

We also talked about the Government’s local government inquiry and the long-term needs of councils linked to sustainable funding.

National housing summit

I’m delighted to invite all councils and local government leaders to ALGA’s National Local Government Housing Summit on Friday, 16 August.

The inaugural national summit, to be held at the Adelaide Town Hall, will provide an opportunity for key stakeholders and experts to discuss critical issues to deliver housing across the nation with the aim of forging actionable strategies to support local governments.

NGA countdown

Finally, I can’t wait to see you in Canberra for our historic 30^th National General Assembly in Canberra starting tomorrow.

A record 1230 mayors, shire presidents and councillors from across Australia will converge in the capital for our annual conference at the National Convention Centre.

This year’s NGA will also lead into the Australian Council of Local Government on Friday.

A record number of local government leaders are expected to attend the historic 30th National General Assembly in Canberra from 2-4 July.

Around 1200 mayors, shire presidents and councillors from across Australia will converge in the capital for the annual conference, being held at the National Convention Centre.

This year’s theme is Building Community Trust, which aims to explore the critical importance of trust in governments, between governments, its institutions and citizens, acknowledging trust as a fundamental building block of our nation’s democracy.

There is also a new addition to the 2024 program, with four concurrent listening sessions providing you with the opportunity to have your say about federal policies affecting our communities.  These sessions will be held directly after the Regional Forum on before the NGA officially commences on Wednesday morning.

This year’s NGA will lead into the Australian Council of Local Government on Friday 5 July, and ALGA is thrilled to once again be partnering with the Federal Government to host the ACLG event.

More information here.

The removal and management of illegally dumped tyres in Australia is costing local governments more than $6.5 million a year, according to new research supported by ALGA.

These findings were outlined in the Stockpiling and illegal dumping of tyres report prepared for Tyre Stewardship Australia, and produced with assistance from ALGA members.

The report, released in April this year, also found local governments cleaned up an estimated 300,000 end-of-life tyres in 2022-23. with an average cost of $22 per tyre.  These costs can be up to $31 per tyre in regional areas.

The study showed these costs were almost triple the average cost of disposing of a passenger car tyre, collected through retailers, which is about $7.60.

Councils on the urban fringes are dealing with the most illegally dumped tyres, which is adding to their financial pressure to build community infrastructure and services.

ALGA supports a national mandatory product stewardship scheme as the current voluntary scheme is not functioning properly around Australia.

Read more information about the Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme.

Local government inquiry update

We look forward to presenting to Parliament’s inquiry into local government sustainability after recently lodging our evidence-based submission.

This inquiry is a valuable opportunity to outline the value and services we are delivering in our communities and highlight the funding reforms our sector needs to be sustainable.

I encourage you to continue to engage with your local federal members and senators about the need for financial sustainability, including the importance of restoring Financial Assistance Grants to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.

Together we can highlight how our communities can grow and thrive with more sustainable funding and better partnerships into the future.

LGNZ Infrastructure Symposium

On behalf of Australia’s councils, it was an honour to speak at the Local Government New Zealand Infrastructure Symposium via Zoom last week.

We share a close bond with the Kiwis, as ALGA and LGNZ have enjoyed a strong Trans-Tasman working relationship over many years.

I highlighted our nation couldn’t survive without the vast network of local roads and community infrastructure – managed by our councils – that Australians use and depend on every day.

I also outlined the recent advocacy wins we have achieved to secure more funding for councils to maintain and revitalise our vital local assets.

National Press Club address

Finally, a limited number of tickets are still available for my National Press Club speech on Tuesday 2 July.

To celebrate our 30^th year of gathering in Canberra, I will deliver a televised lunchtime address to highlight the importance of future-proofing local government in Australia.

I hope to see you there.

The exhibition booths for the 2024 National General Assembly in Canberra are sold-out.

However, there are still some last-minute sponsorship opportunities still available, including for the new listening sessions – so don’t miss your chance to be there.

Held at the National Convention Centre, the NGA is an opportunity for local government service providers to engage with more than 1,000 mayors, shire presidents, CEOs and senior council staff.

The NGA will officially open with a welcome drinks ceremony in the Exhibition Hall from 5pm on Tuesday 2 July, and the exhibition area will run until Friday 5 July.

For more information, click here.

On behalf of Australia’s councils, ALGA attended a special exercise from 22-23 May in Adelaide to prepare for an extreme space weather event.

Hosted by the Australian Government, Exercise Aurora 2024 was developed to allow Australia – and local governments – to plan for future space weather events, such as a geomagnetic storm that occurred on May 11 this year.

These types of solar activities have the potential to disrupt communications across the nation for differing lengths of time.

ALGA attended the event to remind emergency agencies, and other levels of government, that during a communications black-out, councils can be a key player in messaging, support, and coordination of emergency services, including through local radio.

A detailed plan, based on the exercise, is being developed between the Bureau of Meteorology, Geoscience Australia, and the Department of Home Affairs.

More information on the historic space weather gathering can be found here.

Small businesses can access free training to protect themselves against cyber attacks, especially during the end of the financial year period.

The latest statistics show 43 per cent of cyber attacks target small businesses, and a single attack can cost an average of $46,000.

The simple online cyber security training is now available through Cyber Wardens, an initiative of the Council of the Small Business Organisations Australia and funded by the Federal Government.  The program is self-paced and quick to complete.

There is also an EOFY guide and other resources to complement online.

Enrol today.

Local government inquiry submission

On behalf of all Australian councils, ALGA lodged a comprehensive, evidence-based submission to Parliament’s inquiry into local government sustainability last week.

We have made five key recommendations to the Parliamentary Committee, with our number one priority being increasing untied federal funding for local government to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.

We also highlighted new research showing if local government annually received an additional $350 million for the maintenance and delivery of quality open space, Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP) would increase by about $856 million each year.

I sincerely thank all of you who have provided your own submissions to the inquiry and highlighted how we can better support our communities to thrive with more sustainable funding and better partnerships.

We look forward to appearing before the committee in the coming weeks to outline our key recommendations and policy principles in more detail.

National Press Club address

I’m excited to see you in Canberra next month for our NGA, and delighted to announce tickets are now available for my National Press Club address on Tuesday 2 July.

Marking our 30^th year of gathering in the capital, I will deliver a televised speech to highlight the importance of future-proofing local government in Australia.

Please note, a limited number of tickets are available for this lunch time event, so be quick!

Save the Date: 2024 Roads Congress

Finally, I’m excited to announce our 2024 National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress will be held in Margaret River, Western Australia from 3-4 December.

We are still finalising the details and will share this information with you soon.

ALGA is seeking feedback from 2024 NGA delegates to help shape the new Listening Sessions forum on 2 July.

For the first time, four concurrent listening sessions will feature in the program about key issues will be held during the NGA, providing an opportunity to have a say about federal policies affecting communities.

These sessions will be held after the Regional Forum on the Tuesday afternoon, before the NGA officially commences on Wednesday morning.

The listening sessions provide a platform to discuss the efficacy of Federal Government policies affecting local governments with representatives from the Commonwealth.

We want to hear from you about the following topics:

• National Housing and Community Infrastructure – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q9HLKVZ
• Disaster Resilience and Recovery – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q9PN3QP
• Roads and Transport – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/B8D7Y77
• Energy Transition – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q9ZQ6Z9

Feedback closes on 17 June 2024.

2024-25 Federal Budget update – Wins and more to do!

In response to ALGA’s advocacy, Australian councils will receive an additional $330 million in federal funding in 2024-25, including a $150 million increase in the Roads to Recovery program, as a result of the recent Federal Budget.

However, the Government has not delivered on their election promise of fair funding increases to Federal Assistance Grants – there has never been a more important time for you to lodge your submission to the Federal Parliamentary Inquiry we secured together, calling for an increase of at least 1% of Commonwealth Taxation Revenue to be allocated to Federal Assistance Grants.

This Budget emphasises the need for a fair and sustainable funding model, and I urge all councils to put forward a submission to the Inquiry, which closes on 31 May. ALGA has developed a guide to support you to develop your own council submissions.

ALGA strongly advocated for increased support for councils, and we were thrilled when the Government announced last November that Roads to Recovery funding would be doubled to $1 billion over the forward Budget estimates, with this commitment reflected in the Budget.

Financial Assistance Grants to councils will increase from $3.115 billion in 2023-24 to $3.27 billion ($155 million increase) next year, in line with the legislated indexation formula.

The Budget papers indicated that for Financial Assistance Grants, the Government will work with states to advance funding to councils earlier than would usually occur, and I have written to the Treasurer to seek clarity that will support you in developing your annual budgets.

ALGA applauds the intent of new housing and active transport funding however, on Budget night we highlighted that having funding only flow to local governments via state and territory governments would limit their success.  We play a key role building enabling infrastructure, as well as cycleways and footpaths, and so should be eligible to apply directly to these new programs

Local Government Conference – Last chance!

Finally, time is running out to secure your discounted tickets for our 2024 National General Assembly, with early bird registrations closing on 7 June.

This year’s NGA will again lead into the Australian Council of Local Government on Friday 5 July.

This will be my last Conference as President and, together, our last chance before the election to come together and collectively advocate to the Government and federal Ministers for the fair funding our councils and communities need.

Local governments can access new information and resources about Australia’s upcoming 3G mobile phone network shutdown this year.

Telstra is planning to switch off its 3G network from 31 August 2024, and Optus from 1 September 2024. TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G network in Australia.

To ensure communities are fully prepared for this significant shutdown, the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has established a new website 3Gclosure.com.au, as well as fact sheets about the 3G transition and making emergency calls.

To ensure your local government area is ready for the 3G shutdown, you can also access more information here.

Build up to Federal Budget

We will be closely monitoring next week’s Federal Budget in Canberra to see if the Government finally follows through on its pre-election promise of “fair increases” to Financial Assistance Grants.

The number one priority in our pre-Budget submission is restoring these vital untied grants to at least one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue, and this is the Government’s last chance to deliver ahead of the next election.

I will write to all councils on Budget night to provide an update and overview of the relevant funding announcements for local government.

Local government inquiry update

A reminder to get your submissions into Parliament’s inquiry into local government sustainability before the end of this month.

While submissions were originally due on 3 May, ALGA successfully advocated on behalf of all councils for a four-week extension to 31 May.

We have also developed a new user-friendly guide to help you draft your council submissions, and highlight what you could do for your communities with fair and more sustainable funding.

IPWEA public works conference

I was delighted to speak at the 2024 IPWEA International Public Works Conference in Melbourne last Thursday.

During my speech and panel discussion, I highlighted how partnering with IPWEA on the National State of the Assets reports helped us successfully advocate last year for significant increases in our Roads to Recovery funding.

We’re currently working with IPWEA on the latest edition of this report, due to be released in the coming months.

Investing in road safety

It was fantastic to see the Albanese Government announce last week they are investing $21 million in the National Road Safety Data Hub.

Australian councils manage more than 75 per cent of Australia’s local road network, and improved data will support better decision-making enabling us to build and maintain safer local roads.

The Commonwealth’s Black Spot Program plays a crucial role supporting councils to address known high risk road safety sites, and last year ALGA’s advocacy delivered a 35 per cent increase in this funding, to be phased in over the forward estimates.

We welcome this new Budget announcement and are committed to continuing to work with the Australian, state and territory governments to address our unacceptable national road toll.

Regional banking announcement

Many regional communities will welcome Westpac’s announcement last week to extend their moratorium on regional bank closures until 2027.

We know the impact branch closures have on our councils and regional and rural communities, which is why we advocated for the Bank Closure Support Protocol through our participation in the Government’s Regional Banking Taskforce.

Supporting our libraries

Finally, I will be speaking at the Australian Library and Information Association national conference in Adelaide this week, highlighting the importance of our local libraries and how they’ve stepped up to support communities during this cost-of-living crisis.

I also encourage your councils to attend and promote a free webinar this Thursday about investing in street libraries.

The webinar is for community workers and placemakers from all levels of government, as well as individuals, interested in learning how Street Libraries can benefit communities.

Register here

With more than 50 per cent of exhibition booths already sold, time is running out to book your booth for this year’s NGA.

Held at the National Convention Centre Canberra, the NGA is an opportunity for local government service providers to engage with more than 1,000 mayors, shire presidents, CEOs and senior council staff.

The NGA will officially open with welcome drinks in the Exhibition Hall from 5pm on Tuesday 2 July, and the exhibition will run through until Friday 5 July.

Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are still available, but don’t miss your chance to be there.

For more information, click here

ALGA has produced a new guide to support councils with their submissions to the Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport’s inquiry into local government sustainability

The user-friendly guide, which includes links to the latest research on the sector, is available here for all local governments.

Submissions to the inquiry were originally due by 3 May however ALGA successfully secured a four week extension, with written submissions now due by 31 May 2024.

ALGA will provide an evidence-based national submission on behalf of the sector.

But we strongly encourage all councils to provide their own submissions, with a particular focus on what you could do for your communities with fair and more sustainable funding.

Download the guide