The NSW Country Mayors Association (CMA) has welcomed the news that the Federal Government has reconvened the Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport’s Inquiry into Local Government Financial Sustainability. CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM said “The finalisation of this Inquiry is vitally important for Local Government. We congratulate Minister McBain on driving the decision to reconvene the Inquiry.”
“The fact that the initial Inquiry, which lapsed in May as a result of the election, heard from more than 280 stakeholders through submissions and attendance at public hearings clearly demonstrates the level of investment the sector has in the Inquiry and its outcomes” Mayor Firman said.
Mayor Firman said that “the key findings from the Interim Report which included recognition that:
•the role of local governments has expanded and evolved over time;
•council funding and ability to raise revenue had deteriorated in the face of rising service delivery obligations; and
•smaller regional councils faced different challenges to metropolitan councils on a range of issues.
The key findings were strongly supported by the CMA’s Board and Members, particularly for its recognition of the unique needs of remote, rural and regional NSW. We strongly support the decision to continue the work of the previous Inquiry which ensures that the learnings to date are not lost.”
“The CMA conducts an annual survey of its Members to determine what their most pressing issues are. Consistently the foremost concern is financial sustainability. We are therefore very pleased to note the Minister’s advice that this Inquiry will have a sharper focus on financial sustainability including interactions between all levels of government” Mayor Firman said.
“Councils touch everyone’s life almost every day. Our responsibilities stretch from providing life savers at local pools and beaches to the delivery of public infrastructure, including roads and bridges, water and waste services to cultural and community services. In addition, councils are pivotal in planning for housing and commercial and industrial development. Councils make daily investments in creating and delivering positive outcomes for their communities through the infrastructure and services we provide. We want to see that recognised and would like the Federal Government to consider investing more in us so we can, in turn, invest more into our communities.” Mayor Firman said.
Mayor Firman said “high on the agenda for the sector is the restoration of the Federal Financial Assistance Grants to 1% of total tax revenue. We are hoping that through this Inquiry the Government recognises that investing in us, is investing in the communities that we both represent. The CMA, together with LGNSW, has been fortunate enough to secure a meeting with the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, at the end of November to discuss the important issue of Local Government financial sustainability and the restoration of the Financial Assistance Grants to 1 % of total taxation revenue.”
“The CMA has written to the Minister to congratulate the Government on reconvening the Inquiry.” Mayor Firman said.
Media Release: NSW Country Mayors Association (CMA)
