Local Government Calls for Infrastructure Boost

Future investment in local community infrastructure should be on the Government's agenda as the budget is restored to surplus in the next three years according to the president of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), Councillor Geoff Lake.
Speaking following this weekâs Federal Budget, Councillor Lake explained âlocal government welcomes the early return to surplus foreshadowed in the 2010-11 Budget and the opportunity this creates for renewed investment in community infrastructure in coming years.
"We believe this is a responsible budget which positions the country well for increased nation building investment in coming years. We want to see local infrastructure investment included in that future investment."
A major report by PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2006 highlighted a massive infrastructure spending gap at the local level of more than $14 billion.
"The allocation of $1 billion for community infrastructure under the economic stimulus package was a good start, however once the budget returns to surplus, we need an ongoing program to boost infrastructure investment at the local level.
"Without doubt, the great success story of the stimulus package is the community infrastructure component, with more than 3,000 projects delivered across every corner of the country. While other parts of the stimulus package have been criticised, these projects have been chosen, designed and delivered on time and on budget by councils on the ground in each community.
"Major sporting grounds, opera houses and national highways are important, but what really makes a difference in people's everyday lives is the local facilities and services that support where they live - the local parks, main streets, libraries and civic spaces. Taxpayers have a right to see some of their tax dollars invested in these important areas."
Cr Lake also welcomed the Government's decision to again bring forward the first quarterly payment of the 2010-11 Financial Assistance Grants, worth an estimated $511 million, into 2009-10.
"Bringing the first quarterly grants payment forward from August to June will help to smooth out the cash flow, especially in rural and regional councils which rely heavily on the Financial Assistance Grants. The last thing small communities need as we emerge from the downturn is a reduction in the cash available because of a reduced cash flow for the council."