CMA Deputy Chairman and Bega Valley Shire Mayor Cr Russell Fitzpatrick with CMA Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor Cr Rick Firman OAM.
Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, executive member of Country Mayors Association, is proud to be working alongside Chairman of the NSW CMA Mayor Rick Firman OAM, who has called for the Australian Government and Opposition to commit to the restoration of Commonwealth funding for Local Government.
“Federal Governments of all persuasions have slowly but surely eroded the funding that is provided to Local Government. It is alarming that the annual Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) provided to Local Government by the Federal Government have decreased from 1% of Commonwealth taxation revenue in 1996 to just 0.5% today.”
The CMA has written to the Prime Minister, The Hon Anthony Albanese, and both the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Peter Dutton MP and to the Leader of the National Party, the Hon David Littleproud MP requesting one on one meetings to discuss the issue. The Leaders have also been invited to address the 28 March meeting of CMA, focussing Financial sustainability.
Country-based Councils in NSW face unique cost pressures, with many Local Government Areas being the size of small European countries and being responsible for close to 1,500kms of roads. Mayor Firman explained that Councils are required to deliver public services like administration, recreational facilities, pools, libraries and waste facilities in multiple locations in order to ensure equity of access, which increases the cost of Council operations.
“We are asking the Commonwealth and Opposition to step up to the plate, to support our Members in providing the services and infrastructure that our communities need and deserve. A commitment to return FAGs funding to 1996 levels would substantially improve financial sustainability for NSW councils and Local Government across Australia,” concluded Mayor Firman.