President’s Update – January 2026
It’s been a sombre start to the new year, with bushfires raging across the southern states and North Queensland bracing for cyclone impact. In recent days I’ve been on the road with the QLD Agriculture Minister, seeing where councils are working with emergency services to manage flash flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, including rescuing several people from floodwaters. I’m reminded once again of how councils step in to help each other in times of crisis. I thank every single one of you on the front line.
Our thoughts are with the many councils in Victoria managing the state’s extreme bushfires. Tragically, one life has already been lost. The agriculture sector has been heavily hit, with more than 350,000 hectares burned. The community of Alexandra, in Murrundindi shire, has lost some 90 shearing sheds, and there have been huge livestock losses across the state. The impacts on not only livelihoods but also community heritage are immense. Hats off to the Municipal Association of Victoria which is working with and supporting multiple councils with the Inter Council Resource Sharing Protocol.
Murrindindi Shire Mayor Damien Gallagher and Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali have both thanked the rural communities that have been driving donations of livestock feed and emergency supplies for affected communities. As Cr Gallagher said, “Everybody’s pulling together and doing what they can, which is the Murrindindi way.”
All levels of government have been on the front foot in providing support, but as we know all too well, the effects of these devastating fires will continue to be felt for many months or even years. Councils will be supporting their communities with the long-tail of recovery. This is why ALGA remains committed to advocating for greater investment in untied funding for councils which will help build critical capacity and capability to recover from disasters, as well as strengthen their disaster mitigation and resilience. Now, more than ever, we need councils to be properly funded for the lifesaving work they do in emergency management.
ALGA will continue to urge the Australian Government to release its response to the Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding (the Colvin Review), which includes key recommendations recognizing the critical role local government plays across the emergency management continuum. While we understand there will be no formal response to the Independent Review of National Natural Disaster Governance Arrangements (the Glasser Review), we strongly encourage the Government to implement its recommendations. In particular, we call for action on Recommendation 29:
“Jurisdictions should also contribute to resourcing to implement the priorities for action… Funding should not be sourced from the Disaster Ready Fund given the dependence local government has on that source.”
On a lighter note, ALGA is looking ahead to another big year. Planning is in full swing for the National General Assembly, which will be held 23-25 June 2026 in Canberra. I’m looking forward to what we like to think of as ‘Local Government Week’: the largest gathering of local government leaders in the nation each year. It’s a great opportunity to catch-up with your council counterparts from around the country and bring your community’s big issues to the national stage. Registrations are now open, and I hope you’ll take this stand-out opportunity to meet with Federal Ministers and other senior officials in the nation’s capital. The call for motions closes on the 27th of February, and I encourage all councils to take this opportunity to debate the important issues. Your contributions inform ALGA’s national advocacy, so make your voice count.
Financial sustainability remains at the top of our priority list in 2026, with councils continuing to face growing pressure on their budgets. I urge all councils to contribute submissions to the national Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Fiscal Sustainability, which closes on 3 February, 2026. ALGA will present the united voice for councils in our submission to highlight the need for untied funding for all councils, including through federal Financial Assistance Grants.
2026 National State of the Assets report
ALGA extends its sincere thanks to councils across Australia that have contributed to the 2026 National State of the Assets report. Your participation provides the evidence base essential to our advocacy with the Federal Government.
The NSoA report – which will be launched at the 2026 NGA – provides tangible evidence for Federal Ministers and officials and tells the story that cannot be ignored, directly informing our case for increased Federal investment in local road and infrastructure programs.
Stay safe everyone, and happy new year.