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Local Govt councils discuss working together to boost potential of their regions

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Building Community Trust, aimed ‘to explore the critical importance of trust in governments, between governments, its institutions and its citizens’ was the theme for the 2024 Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly.

Narrandera Shire Council Deputy Mayor Sue Ruffles represented Narrandera Council at the event. It provided an opportunity for Australia’s Regional Councils to come together to discuss how they can work together and with their partners in Government to realise the potential of our regions.

Regional Cooperation and Development Forum speakers on the program, together with some key points made, included:

  • Cr Linda Scott ALGA President

Cr Scott mentioned that Financial Sustainability is a top issue facing all in local government. Advocacy continues for increase to the Financial Assistance Grant (FAG) as essential untied funds for all councils. The ALGA welcomed a number of funding streams including the Federal Governments FAG as well as funding for disaster mitigation, bridges renewal, the doubling of Roads to Recovery funding.

  • The Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories

Minister McBain spoke of additional and increased funding for regions by way of ‘new and transparent’ grant opportunities such as ‘Growing Regions Program’, ‘Extended Regional Airport Program and Airstrip Program’ and initiatives including increased free TAFE places for vocational training and the governments investments in more housing and renewable energy initiatives.

  • The Hon Darren Chester MP, Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories

He commented that he believes it is time for local government to be ‘harder and firmer’ when advocating to federal government. How does LG get onto the national agenda for fairer funding and not for more grant writing and competition across councils for funds?

Panels were held on topics “Regional Connectivity and Services”, “State of the Regions” and “Regional Housing”.

Keynote presenter Nicki Hutley, Economist “State of the Regions” spoke on the need for more untied funds so councils did not have to compete with each other and a further need to reduce grant application processes.

“Councils have evolved and demands have increased to meet community wellbeing needs and they fill the void in many areas such as sporting facilities, local event supports, advocating and supporting better health services, libraries, community halls and the arts,” she said.

“Councils should consider focussing on their unique natural assets and to have a good evidence-base about strengths and the economical advantage that can be gained from these. An opportunity to leverage what councils have for a best future.”

The National General Assembly 2024 NGA motions focussed on 12 priority areas:

  • Intergovernmental relations;
  • Financial sustainability;
  • Roads and infrastructure;
  • Emergency management;
  • Housing and homelessness;
  • Jobs and skills;
  • Community services;
  • Closing the Gap and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reconciliation;
  • Data, digital technology, and cyber security;
  • Climate change and renewable energy;
  • Environment; and
  • Circular economy.

Speakers on the program included Simon Kuestemacher – Director and Co-Founder, Demographics Group “Intergenerational Equity and Fairness”. Panel members “Addressing Intergenerational Trust” included Simon.

An interesting presentation referencing population data – growth, trends in age groups and projections towards 2035.

Mr Kuestemacher said that workforce skill shortage was one of the biggest issues going forward. Aging population and farm aggregations are some causes of declining regional populations. He suggested some points for consideration when addressing skill shortages – proactively seek staff, offer and promote the local aspect of employment, sell the work/life balance and flexible hours.

Some ideas to further develop community trust that Simon mentioned were:

  • Arts and culture can contribute to addressing community wellbeing and is cost-effective;
  • Investing in social infrastructure as people to people links and connection are critical;
  • Letting communities know what council does; and
  • Inclusive participation and empowerment.

Marcus Spiller (Founding Partner, SGS Economics and Planning) and Steve Verity (Principal Advisor, Asset Management IPWEA) said that councils were not raising enough own-source revenue despite due diligence.

“Data is showing local government is in a downward trend when compared to other levels of government, competitive Federal and State grants require more work for local government and, a strong economic-grounded and research-informed case can be made to improve the current funding model,” he said.

He commented about the possibility of giving local government more decision autonomy and to take away all the grant processes as best decisions could be made at the local level. 

Narrandera Argus 1 August 2024

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 1 August 2024.


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