The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) has used the National General Assembly (NGA) in Canberra to highlight the growing financial and infrastructure challenges facing councils, particularly in regional areas.
LGAT President, Mick Tucker, met with Governor-General Sam Mostyn during the opening day of the assembly, where they discussed a range of issues affecting local government, including abuse directed at elected representatives, disaster recovery funding arrangements and opportunities to strengthen engagement between councils and the Federal Government.
Later, during the NGA’s ‘Around the Grounds’ session, Tucker highlighted the increasing difficulty many Tasmanian councils face in maintaining ageing roads, bridges and community facilities.
He said rising construction costs, workforce shortages and the higher costs associated with servicing remote communities were placing additional pressure on regional councils.
Tucker said councils require greater certainty around long-term infrastructure funding to help maintain and renew existing assets.
He said consistent, needs-based funding from the Federal and State governments would allow councils to better respond to local priorities and improve long-term asset management.
Tucker also highlighted growing community expectations of local government, with councils increasingly delivering services beyond their traditional responsibilities.
He said a stronger partnership between all levels of government was needed to clarify service responsibilities, establish sustainable funding arrangements and reduce the impacts of cost shifting onto councils.
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