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 million.
It means all councils will get additional funding to roll out new capital works to improve local road safety and build or upgrade community centres, libraries, skate parks, bike paths, walking trails, swimming pools, and local sports facilities.”
We have secured guaranteed increases to Financial Assistance Grants, and hundreds of millions of dollars to improve mobile coverage and internet access in regional and rural Australia.
In addition, Labor has committed to returning local government to National Cabinet and investing $200 million each year in disaster mitigation through a new Disaster Ready Fund.
ALGA’s “Don’t Leave Local Communities Behind” campaign will wrap up today but our work is far from over.
We will continue to advocate to the parties and independents elected this weekend to ensure councils are sustainably funded, and no community is left behind.
This means restoring Financial Assistance Grants to at least one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue, increasing investment in affordable housing, supporting councils to reduce the rubbish we send to landfills, and working together on climate change adaptation.
Finally, don’t forget our 2022 National General Assembly is just four weeks away, and early bird registrations close today.
This year’s NGA will be our first chance to engage with whomever forms our next government and consider how we can build stronger and more resilient communities.
We have secured a fantastic line-up of speakers, including Australian journalist, author and TV host Stan Grant, and this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Linda Scott,
ALGA President