Council joins call for increase in federal funding

Lockyer Valley Regional Council is backing calls from the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) to see an increase in federal funding for local governments.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said the current federal funding model for councils was first introduced 50 years ago.

“It is perplexing to think the funding model hasn’t changed since 1974, because our communities most certainly have.

“For many of our residents, they’re experiencing a relentless cost-of-living crisis.

“Quite literally everything costs considerably more these days, and our communities need their local councils to come to the party with the services they need – everything from local pools to playgrounds, libraries, waste collection and recycling to public spaces.

“Our message to the Federal Government is the cost-of-living crisis impacts us too, and local councils are struggling to finance everything our communities need,” Mayor Milligan said.

For every $100 of tax paid by Australians, councils receive just $3, yet we deliver many of the services the community depends on every day.

“We don’t want to increase our rates, and we don’t want to cut services – making times tougher for our communities is not the answer.

“A fairer funding model is what we need to ensure a fair share for councils and our communities.

“It’s great to see the pre-election announcements from the two major parties of increases to our Medicare and health system, but let’s not forget the level of government that is most connected to its residents,” she said.

For more information on the LGAQ campaign, visit https://dontleaveusinthe70s.com.au/