Administrator Rik Hart and CEO David Farmer head for Canberra next week to attend the National General Assembly of Local Government.
Both men will use the opportunity to meet with key ministers to spruik for funding – ie, money – for Central Coast projects.
They will join hundreds of other people representing Councils from across Australia all looking for money.
Among the 259 pages of motions in the business paper to be debated at the general assembly, the focus is on money.
While the Central Coast Council-under-administration has not submitted any agenda items, Mr Hart can vote on the motions.
The first item is to vote on asking the federal government for more money across the board in the Financial Assistance Grants.
One council points out that the local government sector raises or is a recipient – through the grants – of 3.6% of Australia’s total taxation revenue, but is responsible for managing 33% of public non-financial assets.
“The local government asset management responsibility translates to between $8.5 billion and $11.3 billion in capital maintenance and further amounts in operating maintenance per annum, compared to only $2.9 billion in Financial Assistance Grants received,” the agenda papers state.
Newcastle City Council is one of several councils calling on the Australian Government to return funding for local government Financial Assistance Grants to 1 percent of Commonwealth Taxation Revenue.
It is now a little over half a percent.
Blue Mountains City Council wants the federal government to significantly increase investment in the planning and building of public infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters.
Wagga City Council wants funding of immediate and ongoing maintenance of flood prevention infrastructure.
Berrigan Shire Council wants to ensure future roll out of digital connectivity upgrades do not relegate old and outdated delivery models to rural, regional, and remote communities.
Gunnedah Shire Council wants the Australian Government to conduct an audit of mobile black spots and areas that do not provide adequate data.
And the list goes on; 269 pages of motions covering everything from library fees to green armies and cyber security.
The 2023 National General Assembly of Local Government – incorporating the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum – will be held from 13-16 June in Canberra.
The 2023 Australian Council of Local Government will also be held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra on Friday 16 June, immediately following the 2023 NGA.
