The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) has welcomed the release of a report by the Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee, following its Inquiry into local government funding and services in Victoria earlier this year.
The Inquiry found rising infrastructure and service delivery costs are outpacing growth in grant funding with some services already being reduced or stopped as a result.
In July the VLGA presented to the Parliamentary Inquiry, ensuring that the voice of local government was strongly represented.
VLGA CEO, Kathryn Arndt spoke at the time about the serious and very real financial sustainability concerns facing the sector.
She said she was delighted recommendations made by the VLGA to the Parliamentary Inquiry around cost shifting, the rate cap model and grant allocations, had featured in the final report.
“It is pleasing that the findings of this Inquiry have recognised the support Victoria’s 79 local councils need in order for them to be able to deliver essential services, support local communities and plan effectively for the future”, Ms Arndt said.
“Recommendations to investigate the impacts of cost shifting on local government, along with a review of the rate cap model and changes to the way grants are allocated, are particularly welcomed by the VLGA.”
“We have been advocating strongly, on behalf of our members and the sector, for these issues to be urgently examined and addressed.”
“We are delighted to see the VLGA’s submission has helped inform and influence the recommendations in the final report.”
The report features 47 findings and 48 recommendations addressing rate capping, grants, cost shifting, core services and the financial sustainability of councils.
The full report is available to read on the Committee’s website.
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