More funding is needed to fix our roads

The impacts of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred on the region’s road network are yet another reason local governments need more funding, according to Lockyer Valley Regional Council.

The current Federal funding model for councils hasn’t changed since 1974, which makes the upcoming Federal election even more important to the local community.

Council’s Mayor, Tanya Milligan said the recent weather event had proven destructive to local infrastructure and shows why local governments are in desperate need of a better Federal funding deal.

“We are thankful for Commonwealth and State funding to assist us to repair our roads and infrastructure following a natural disaster, but to avoid them being damaged time and time again, we need more money and resources to build them back better.

“We’ve experienced years of cost-shifting from the Federal and State Governments, which has left councils across the nation struggling to finance everything our communities need, and our local roads, which have been ravaged by a string of floods, have taken a big hit.

“A fairer Federal funding model would go a long way to allowing us to move faster on building more resilient infrastructure, so it’s not damaged as often, or as severely,” Mayor Milligan said.

Council is standing with the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and councils across the State in calling for a fairer, more modern Federal funding model.

“What we need is for all Federal parties and candidates to publicly commit to increasing funding for local governments – not just one-off increases, but to ensure a fair share for councils and our communities into the future that we can rely on and budget with.

“Every year, councils are expected to deliver more with less, and our residents are frustrated and so are we.

“We don’t want to be forced to increase rates to fill funding gaps, effectively decreasing the quality of life for our residents, and then be made out to be the bad guys.

“One of the most effective cost-of-living measures the Federal Government could back is better funding to the level of government delivering everyday services to the average family.

“If your preferred candidate or party hasn’t committed to a fairer Federal funding model for councils, things won’t change, and we urge all Lockyer Valley residents to do their research and vote wisely on 3 May,” Mayor Milligan said.

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