The 2021-22 NSW Budget will support the state’s 128 local councils to deliver key infrastructure, facilities and services to their local communities, Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said today.
Mrs Hancock said the NSW Budget would strengthen the local government sector by helping councils to deliver for their residents and ratepayers.
“The 2021-22 NSW Budget continues the Government’s commitment to support our local councils to make their communities a better place to live, work and play.”
“Since 2011, the NSW Government has provided more than $11.3 billion in financial support to our councils to deliver and improve infrastructure, services and facilities for their local communities,” she said.
“Local councils are still recovering from the impacts of bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic so this injection of funds will help them direct more of their resources towards recovery efforts and supporting their communities.”
The 2021-22 Budget includes existing funding to support local councils and communities:
- $78.5 million to help local councils provide pensioner discounts on rates and charges
- $20 million for councils to undertake coastal and estuary planning projects and implement works under the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program
- $5.8 million from the Companion Animals Fund for councils to manage pet cats and dogs including pounds/shelters, ranger services, dog exercise areas, and education and awareness programs
- $5.7 million under the Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme to help councils pay for loans for much-needed upgrades and maintenance of infrastructure
- $4.7 million to support two local councils deliver COVID-safe elections in September
- $4.1 million under the Low-Cost Loans Initiative to help provide low interest loans to councils to invest in infrastructure to address housing affordability
- $500,000 under the Digital Restart Fund towards the design and development of a new database for the NSW Pet Registry
Mrs Hancock said the local government sector played a vital role in stimulating the NSW economy.
“Our councils are spending more than $12 billion annually on the infrastructure, facilities and services our local communities want and need, as well as creating jobs and employing 48,000 people,” Mrs Hancock said.
“I sincerely thank council staff and councillors across the state for their efforts in supporting their local communities during these very challenging times.”
