Local Government NSW (LGNSW) is joining the Australian Local Government (ALGA) in welcoming major new funding commitments announced today by the Australian Labor Party.
Labor’s Plan for Local Government commits nearly $1 billion in new funding to local government.
This is in addition to $9.5 billion in Financial Assistance Grants, $2 billion in Roads to Recovery funding and $419 million for the Bridges Renewal Program.
“Funding for local infrastructure is one of LGNSW’s top advocacy priorities for 2019,” LGNSW President Cr Linda Scott said.
“Increased investment like this would certainly help NSW councils meet the numerous challenges they face in planning cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, green space and sporting facilities.
“In the plan announced today, Labor has matched the Government’s commitments to Roads to Recovery, Bridges Renewal, community infrastructure, regional telecommunications and Financial Assistance Grants, but has gone further in its commitment to provide $260 million for cycle paths.
The Plan for Local Government also includes:
$15 million to establish a National Waste Commissioner
$60 million through a National Recycling Fund to encourage innovative waste solutions
$62 million to ensure our coastal communities can adapt and build resilience to climate change.
“We have been calling for action on waste and recycling and the reinvestment of 100 per cent of the NSW Waste Levy in a coordinated state-wide recycling and waste management approach and drive a circular economy,” Cr Scott said.
“Establishing a new National Waste Commissioner to work with state and local governments to educate the community on waste solutions and work with industry to expand recycling and product stewardship schemes is exactly the kind of support we’ve been crying out for.
“We welcome today’s commitments from Labor and call upon the Liberal/National Coalition to match them.”
