Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan has welcomed confirmation the New South Wales Local Government Grants Commission won’t implement a draft revised methodology to distribute Financial Assistance Grants.
The State Government reviewed the methodology, looking to make change from the 2027-28 financial year.
Under the proposed changes, several smaller regional councils, including Gwydir Shire Council would have received significantly less funding.
The Commission has decided to continue the existing methodology, following strong submissions from New South Wales councils.
Mr Moylan said it was common sense to keep the current model, and many smaller local councils will be relieved with the news.
“This is great news, the problem with the new methodology was that many smaller rural councils were going to be worse off.
“Through the draft methodology, some councils appeared set to benefit from the proposed changes, while others stood to lose millions of dollars.
“There was a lack of information provided to councils about how the changes were calculated and the potential impact on already stretched local government budgets.
“Thankfully that won’t be the case.”
From 102 councils to make submissions, just 10 supported the draft methodology, 54 had significant concerns or proposed modifications and 38 opposed the changes.
Media Release: Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan
