The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) is warning political parties to put local communities first or risk coming last as the Federal Election campaign officially kicks off following the Prime Minister’s 21 May voting day announcement at the weekend.
LGAQ President and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor, Mark Jamieson (pictured) said the LGAQ would be asking Queenslanders to #voteforlocal this Federal Election and back the party that backs liveable communities and commits to funding programs to create and support local jobs and infrastructure.
“Every Queensland community contributes to the economic and social fabric of this nation, so every Queensland community deserves to be a liveable one,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“The funding Queensland councils seek this election will create or support more than 8,000 jobs and generate more than $1.5 billion in economic activity.
“For too long, Queensland’s local communities have had to suffer through inadequate funding to critical programs, such as Financial Assistance Grants.
“All councils are asking for is just 1% of the Commonwealth’s taxation revenue for these grants. Just 1%, as it was in the 1990s.
He said that without an increase, councils were set to receive just 0.55% of Australia’s total taxation pool this financial year for these grants.
“This is simply not enough to sustain the jobs and deliver the critical services local communities not only need, but deserve.”
“This funding must be increased. These grants are used by councils to fund basic services to support liveable communities. It is untied funding, which enables councils to invest in critical local priorities.
“Ratepayers are also taxpayers, and they deserve to see more money flow back into their local communities, no matter where in Queensland they live.”
Mayor Jamieson said councils were also seeking other vital commitments, such as the continuation of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP), fully funded at $500 million per year, nationwide.
“This program has funded upgrades to ensure safe drinking water and safe roads. It has supported countless community infrastructure projects,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“The Coalition has committed funding for another two years, but at half the amount previously committed.
“We are calling on all parties to permanently fund the LRCIP at $500 million a year, nationwide, going forward so local communities have certainty.”
Other key asks for Queensland include funding for disaster mitigation, housing for First Nations communities, water, roads and the environment.
The LGAQ will be issuing a series of report cards throughout the campaign and urging voters to visit voteforlocal.com.au to view those report cards and find the candidates in their electorate who are most supportive of local communities.
The first report card shows vast room for improvement for all parties in the race, with the LNP and Labor both sitting on a grade of C+.
You can view the full report card here.
“Our political parties must do better and we will be working hard to ensure they are listening to the voices of councils and their local communities throughout this campaign,” Mayor Jamieson said.
The full list of LGAQ priorities can be found here.
