Win! Disaster Recovery funding now available
Last year, ALGA’s advocacy secured a new $200 million Disaster Ready Fund (DRF), and I’m pleased to let you know that first round of funding is now open for applications.
Only states and territories are eligible to apply through Round One. However, the National Emergency Management Agency wants all jurisdictions to work closely with local governments to identify suitable projects, including sea walls, flood levies and bushfire mitigation, so please talk to your state or territory government about worthwhile disaster mitigation projects you have ready to go.
Win! Australia Day citizenship ceremony changes
In another win, the Government recently made common sense changes to provide councils with more flexibility to hold citizenship ceremonies on or around Australia Day.
We have consistently advocated for individual councils to decide the scope of Australia Day activities based on consultation with their communities, and we welcome the Government’s pragmatic approach.
2023 ALGA Annual Conference call for motions
Finally, I wrote to all councils last month seeking motions for our 2023 National General Assembly (NGA).
The NGA is biggest national government event in Australia and draws more than 1,000 local government leaders to Canberra every June.
The theme of this year’s NGA will be “Our Communities, Our Future”, and we are keen to hear your ideas for new federal programs and policies that would support councils build stronger communities into the future.
A discussion paper containing essential information, and outlining the criteria that motions must meet, can be downloaded here.
This year’s NGA is expected to be even bigger than 2022, and we are working with the Prime Minister and Government towards incorporating the return of the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG).
We look forward to welcoming you to Canberra in June.