Budget support for councils will drive post-Covid recovery: ALGA

Recognising and supporting local government’s proven ability to work on behalf of its communities will help cement Covid-19 recovery, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) said this week.

In its 2021-22 Pre-Budget Submission, ALGA has
urged the Morrison Government to prioritise local jobs, infrastructure
investment, and community wellbeing initiatives.

Economic recovery from Covid-19 and the 2019-20
droughts, floods and bushfires is imperative – and all governments must work
cooperatively and to a common purpose if it is to be long-lasting and
effective, the ALGA submission says.

In her introduction to the submission, ALGA
President Linda Scott said: “Australia’s communities have been through
challenging times in the past 12 months.

“Now more than ever, Federal Government support for
local governments to assist our communities is vital for creating local jobs
and strengthening community wellbeing.”

Cr Scott said local Government has a proven track
record in delivering – with the states and the Commonwealth – significant
programs such as Roads to Recovery, Bridges Renewal, Road Safety Blackspots,
and drought and bushfire relief initiatives.

The sector employs nearly 200,000 people and owns,
manages, and maintains roads, cycleways, footpaths, parks, pools, and other
community assets conservatively valued at $457 billion with an annual operation
spend of more than $38 billion.

“Australian local governments are expert at job-creation to suit local economic conditions,” Cr Scott said, “and we welcome the opportunity to supercharge these efforts as part of Australia’s economic recovery from Covid-19.”

The measures outlined in ALGA’s submission include:

• Continuing the $1.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program with a focus on sustainable transport initiatives;
• Establishing a targeted disaster mitigation program of $200 million a year for four years;
• Restoring the quantum of Financial Assistance Grants to at least 1 percent of Commonwealth tax revenue;
• Establishing a local roads investment program to address first and last-mile freight efficiency issues;
• Providing funding of $120 million a year over four years for local government arts and culture; and
• Providing funding of $100 million a year over four years for local government circular economy innovation.

ALGA estimates these and other Budget priorities
for local government will create over 31,000 jobs and boost GDP by $4.65
billion.

The submission notes that during the natural
disasters and coronavirus pandemic, every council in Australia stepped up to
play an important role in supporting their communities to minimise the social
and economic impacts. 

Historically, local councils have been relied on to
deliver public services including waste management, road and freight
infrastructure, childcare and early learning, aged care, land use planning,
population management, building and development regulation, social cohesion,
environmental management, and resources stewardship.

However, local government has increasingly taken a
lead role in local and regional economic development – filling in the gaps left
by other governments in investment attraction, business mentoring, training,
networking, and incubation.

Cr Scott said: “During the pandemic, public trust
in local government has increased – and communities now regard councils as
fundamental to addressing issues like youth unemployment, health and wellbeing,
and building more liveable neighbourhoods, towns, cities, and regions. 

“Local government is genuinely recognised by other
levels of government as a key agent of community relief, recovery and
improvement – and so must be provided with the necessary support and
resources.”

She said that with their on-the-ground connections
and expertise, councils will, play a vital role in coming months and years to
bolster local economies, make communities more resilient, and build a better,
more prosperous Australia.

ENDS