Saturday, November 9, 2024

LGAQ call to ‘not leave communities behind’ in Federal Budget

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has repeated its calls for ‘fair funding’ for local communities in tomorrow’s Federal Budget.

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), which represents all 77 councils across the state, is reminding the Albanese Government that any cuts to councils will be cuts to communities. 

“We’ve put our Budget submission to the Federal Government, and made the case for funding increases in the key programs that help ensure liveable communities,” LGAQ President, Mayor Mark Jamieson said. 

He said local government needs Federal Financial Assistance Grants to be restored to 1% of national taxation.

“Local government needs these grants to be paid in advance – just as they have been for the past 15 years.”

“Further reducing these grants – or tinkering with their payment processes – will all have the same result: cuts to communities.”

Mayor Jamieson said the LGAQ was concerned to hear last week of changes to the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

“This program has now been cut to funding local roads only, and the recipient list of councils has also been cut,” Mayor Jamieson said. 

“Now is not the time to increase hardship; we look forward to a Federal Budget that will not leave local communities behind.”

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