Local Government Association of South Australia, Media Release, 16 June 2023
The Local Government Association has acknowledged State Budget which aims to deliver cost of living relief and address the state’s housing and health crisis but has warned the government has missed an opportunity to engage closely with councils on meaningful funding to support local communities.
LGA President Dean Johnson said while the State Government’s spending on measures to address housing affordability and availability were a step in the right direction, greater investments were needed to improve long-term liveability, regional health and local economic growth.
“There’s a missed opportunity to work with local government and address funding calls for priorities like community infrastructure, regional health services and roads, but we’re pleased this budget shows some commitment to housing which is reaching a critical tipping point,” Mayor Johnson said.
“The $474.7 million housing package will bring new homes into the market, support first home buyers and begin to deliver on previous announcements for the Office for Regional Housing and Regional Key Worker Housing Scheme made in February.
“We now need the details and commitment from the government to work with the LGA and councils to ensure regional housing initiatives don’t fall short.
“Abolishing stamp duty for first-home buyers and incentivising investment through grants may stimulate the housing market, but I am wary that the accompanying fast-tracked planning approval process shouldn’t override important built-form regulations.
“Councils perform an important role in assessing development applications, so I will be seeking further discussion with the State Government on this matter.
“Initiatives for health including virtual health checks and funding for hospital upgrades will go some way to help repair our health system but more is needed on preventative community health and bolstering a plan to address regional health care including worker shortages.
“The additional $100.8 million in funding for the Mount Barker Hospital, along with emergency department upgrades across the state, is a welcome support for those communities.
“But what we’d like to see is more work with regional councils on their health needs, and part of that includes finding solutions to attract and retain general practitioners and allied health workers in our towns, as they support the overall health care system.”
Leading into the State Budget, the LGA called on the Treasurer for an immediate funding boost for jetties to support these vital pieces of community infrastructure in our coastal towns.
“While the government has responded with a $20 million commitment for jetties over four years, this is unlikely to address the substantial upgrades and maintenance needed across the state,” Mayor Johnson said.
“Jetties are crucial to tourism and recreation activities in our coastal towns, and we must invest in them to ensure they can be enjoyed by future generations.
“We will be asking to see the details on how the government’s funding will work and call on further funding to help councils with urgent upgrades and major repairs to keep these vital assets available for recreational fishers, tourists and the community alike.
“Alongside this advocacy, we will be asking for investments in community infrastructure like libraries. These vital community assets make a difference across our state, improving wellbeing and quality of life for many – they can’t afford to be left behind.
“What we’ve seen through this budget is addressing cost of living pressures shouldn’t be done in isolation with the social infrastructure and community services needed across South Australia, they are intertwined.
“What is apparent is councils will continue to face budget pressure as they address growing community needs, while also supporting economic growth initiatives and essential infrastructure – these are areas where we will need to keep talking, including ways we can partner together for SA communities.”
