June 12, 2018
The urgent need to create a new funding model for councils was unanimously supported at last Friday’s Darling Downs and South West Queensland Council of Mayors (DDSWQ) meeting at Charleville.
DDSWQ chair, Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio, said the meeting supported a call for all levels of government to create a more workable funding model to allow councils to continue their extensive programs with certainty.
“The work that all councils perform across their communities justifies state and federal government support,” Cr Antonio said.
“It is imperative there is long-term, sustainable distribution of tax revenues between the levels of government that reflect the responsibilities of councils.
“Local government has gone about as hard as it can in terms of funding its services through rate income alone.”
Mayor Antonio said ratepayers should not be expected to fully fund items such as the provision of essential infrastructure.
“We need to start a serious conversation around a workable, non-competitive funding model that will guarantee councils can build parks, roads, sewers and stormwater infrastructure,” he said.
“There are high expectations on local government service delivery and we need another guaranteed funding stream to ensure we meet this demand.
“We are the community builders, and are in the best position to plan and understand our respective communities’ needs.”
Cr Antonio said he had raised the proposal with various State and Federal government representatives, including Local Government Minister Dr John McVeigh.
Friday’s meeting covered a broad agenda with discussions about drought support, water availability, energy costs, the challenges associated with attracting and retaining skilled labour, and an ageing population.
Cr Antonio said he was pleased to note a number of high profile speakers in attendance at Charleville.
They included the Regional Director of Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning John Bird; new TSBE CEO Ali Davenport; RDA DDSW chair Professor Jim Cavaye; and a range of health, LGAQ and business development officials.
Cr Antonio said the group was an important forum for promoting the unique and wide-ranging issues facing member councils.
