Win! Disaster recovery funding fast-tracked
In a major advocacy win for local government, the Federal Government has fast-tracked around $1.8 billion in disaster payments, for the majority of states, under the State and Commonwealth-funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
We welcomed these advance payments for disaster-affected councils, especially in regional and remote areas, and are thrilled the Government listened to our call and responded with this once-off disaster recovery payment.
We have consistently advocated for faster disaster recovery payments and it’s fantastic to see this announcement is a direct and positive response to the Government re-establishing the Australian Council of Local Government.
$100 million energy fund update
We are also delighted the Federal Government has responded to our call for increased support to help us reduce emissions with a new $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund for local governments.
We understand this new competitive program, which is only available for local governments, will be available from 1 July 2024-25.
ALGA is working with the Government on the program scope and guidelines and we look forward to sharing more information with your councils in the coming months.
2023 NGA resolutions
It was great to see a record number of motions considered at our 2023 National General Assembly, which showed the strong commitment from councils to bringing important policy ideas to the national stage.
You can view the NGA resolutions on our website, and we look forward to considering them at our next ALGA Board meeting.
2023 National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress
Finally, I’m delighted to announce registrations are now open for the 2023 National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress from 6-7 September.
This year’s Congress will be held in Canberra and there will be a focus on broader infrastructure managed by local governments based around the theme: “Building communities that are safer, stronger, smarter”.
A draft program outline is online now, and you can register here: https://conferenceco.eventsair.com/roads-congress-2023.