The Local Government Association of Queensland’s (LGAQ) 129th Annual Conference has kicked off, bringing together council leaders to discuss issues like fairer funding, the Olympics, infrastructure and the rising costs of providing for communities.
Hundreds of mayors, councillors, CEOs and sector experts have joined LGAQ’s Annual Conference, which began on Monday 20 October on the Gold Coast and runs through to Wednesday 22 October.
LGAQ President and Gladstone Mayor, Matt Burnett, said that the annual conference features presentations on key issues impacting local councils and communities and includes voting on 133 motions put forward by councils across the state.
“Annual Conference is the time when towns, cities, shires and regions, from every corner of Queensland and the vast areas in between, come together with their council representatives to uncover the pathways to liveability that all communities deserve,” Burnett said.
“Councils and their communities face cost of living pressures, cost shifting from other levels of government onto ratepayers, road funding gaps, and a water infrastructure cliff as well as challenges around library support and childcare.
“Councils are in and part of their communities every day, they face their community every day, so there is no better measure of the on-the-ground issues facing Queensland communities than those taken to the LGAQ’s Annual Conference for discussion, debate and resolution.
“As the LGAQ’s 2024 edition of cost shifting research proved, there is not a part of life that councils don’t touch – from the cradle – with childcare, medical services – to the grave – with undertaking and morgue services – and everything in between.
“That is why we need fairer funding.
“We need the federal Financial Assistance Grants restored to at least one per cent of national taxation and we need other critical funding programs locked in for the future.”
Gold Coast Acting Mayor, Mark Hammel, said that he was pleased to welcome the more than 800 attendees and exhibitors to the three-day conference.
“By working together at a local government level, we can collectively advocate for better outcomes for our communities,” Hammel said.
“The LGAQ Annual Conference is an opportunity to exchange ideas, build partnerships and engage with industry peers.
“Whether it’s roads, rubbish, playgrounds or community events, local government has an impact on everyone’s lives.
“I’m sure there will be robust discussion about the pressures all councils face as we are forced to take on more costs and responsibilities from the State and Federal governments.”
