The ALGA has released the results of research which found councils have achieved a $1 billion improvement in the condition of Australia’s libraries, recreation centres, galleries and other community spaces over the past three years.
ALGA President, Councillor Linda Scott, said that a $500 million per year local government community infrastructure fund would support councils to continue to maintain and improve the important local facilities Australians use every day.
“Preliminary data from ALGA’s 2024 National State of the Assets report shows that since 2021, the amount of local government buildings and facilities in poor condition has dropped from ten per cent to eight per cent,” said Cr Scott.
“This is a fantastic result and testament to the increased federal investment in councils from both the government in recent years.
“However, we must continue to invest in our critically important community infrastructure, and ALGA is calling for a new $500 million per year funding program in next week’s Federal Budget.”
Cr Scott said as a tier of government councils collect less than four per cent of national taxation, and heavily rely on state, territory and federal funding.
“Financial Assistance Grants are essential to our ongoing sustainability and we are also asking the government to deliver on its pre-election commitment to ‘fair increases’ to this funding,” Cr Scott said.
Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) President, Ian Daniels, said that community infrastructure from roads, footpaths and cycleways, stormwater drains, parks and gardens, bridges, libraries, community centres, and sporting facilities support nearly every aspect of communities’ day-to-day activities.
“Our communities depend on this vast network of assets for their livelihoods and wellbeing but often take them for granted until something fails,” Mr Daniels said.
“When infrastructure assets fail, councils are forced to react which erodes confidence and wastes valuable resources.
“IPWEA supports ALGA’s call to create a new, dedicated fund for community and transport infrastructure, similar to the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program.
“This approach provides councils with more options and opportunities to better plan for the maintenance and renewal of existing assets as well as the provision of new and upgraded assets that enhance the quality of life for our communities.”
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