The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) says the Federal Government is listening to its broad range of concerns and priorities.

ALGA President, Mayor Troy Pickard, met with the Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss this week for a briefing on some of the key issues facing the sector.

The Deputy Prime Minister has strong links with ALGA and local government, and has a background in local government.

Mayor Pickard presented Mr Truss with the ALGA Federal Budget submission and outlined its key proposals, including:

Immediately restoring the indexation of Financial Assistance Grants;

  • Establishing a $100 million Strategic Regional Roads Program to ensure that first mile/last mile and freight connectivity issues are address to improve national productivity;
  • Funding regional and community infrastructure at a cost of $300 million per annum for the next four years to stimulate growth over the longer term and build community resilience;
  • Funding a disaster mitigation program at a level of $200 million per annum; and
  • Providing $40 million over four years to support councils to undertake climate vulnerability assessment and develop adaptation plans.

"The productive working relationship between local government and the Commonwealth means we are well placed to continue to work together on these important issues,” Mayor Pickard said.

“ALGA will strongly advocate for a greater investment in local government from the Commonwealth to ensure that the local services and infrastructure which contribute to national productivity continue to be delivered, and that councils and our communities receive greater funding in the face of the Government current fiscal constraints.”