Call for Coalition to Match Local Government Community Infrastructure Funding

Media release – Australian Local Government Association, 4 May 2022

$250m win for Australian communities  

Labor’s proposed $250 million expansion of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program would benefit every Australian community through better local sporting facilities, new and upgraded libraries and playgrounds, and safer roads.

ALGA President Linda Scott said local governments had strongly advocated to both major parties for more LRCI funding in the lead-up to this year’s federal election.

“We welcomed the Government’s $500 million expansion of this program in the 2022-23 Federal Budget, and local governments are thrilled that Labor has today committed to a further $250 million if elected,” Cr Scott said.

“Councils are now calling on the Prime Minister and Coalition to match this commitment and extend the total size of this highly successful funding program to $3.25 billion.”

“Since the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program was launched two years ago, local governments have partnered with the Commonwealth to deliver thousands of new projects right across our country.”

“We have built and upgraded community centres, libraries, skate parks, bike paths, walking trails, swimming pools, playgrounds, and local sporting facilities.”

“Working with the Commonwealth, we have improved the liveability of our communities, reduced cost-of-living pressures for local families, and created thousands of new jobs.”

“Importantly, this federal program provides funding to all councils, so all communities benefit.”

“The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program has been a huge success, and we look forward to working with whoever forms the next federal government to roll out even more local community infrastructure across our nation.”

Media release – Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT), 4 May 2022

Parties and candidates urged to put local communities first

The peak body representing Tasmanian councils is urging candidates and parties in the Federal Election to put local communities first.

Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) President, West Tamar Mayor and Vice President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) Christina Holmdahl said LGAT is asking all Tasmanians to vote for local this Federal Election.

“As you head to the ballot box, I urge you to vote for the party that backs local communities and commits to funding programs that create and support local jobs and infrastructure,” Mayor Holmdahl said.

On behalf of the state’s 29 councils, LGAT is asking the next Federal Government to work with the sector to support local communities.

“All levels of government must work together to address the cost of living and housing affordability crisis,” she said.

Mayor Holmdahl said Tasmanian councils are also seeking other commitments, like ensuring local perspectives are involved in national decision making.

“Councils play a crucial role in a number of policy areas like housing, environmental management and transport, and as the closest level of government to the community, it’s vital we represent our communities at National Cabinet,” she said.

Without local government’s voice at the table, Tasmanian communities risk being left behind.

“Working together, we can better protect our communities from fires and floods and create thousands of new jobs right across Tasmania,” she said.

“We can build safer roads and provide more affordable social housing and reduce indigenous disadvantage.

“We can drive down the cost of living pressures for families and help to deliver a better future for all Australians,” Mayor Holmdahl said.

“This Federal Election, we are supporting ALGA’s campaign that calls on all parties to not leave local communities behind.”

Further information on ALGA’s local government asks can be found here.