Report card shows parties working to win over communities and councils

Queensland’s political parties have worked to win over more councils and voters, according to the results of the LGAQ’s final election report card, but the window remains open to give communities even more of what they need. 

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has assessed the policy commitments of each party to the top issues identified by councils that local communities need to enhance community liveability in every corner of the State. 

Through their local council and the LGAQ, Queensland communities have asked candidates and parties in Saturday’s state election to commit to a range of critical policy and funding asks, under eight key themes: 

• Reducing the cost of living 

• Energy and community transformation 

• Better local infrastructure 

• Addressing the housing crisis 

• Building safe, resilient and liveable communities 

• Empowering First Nations peoples 

• Protecting the environment 

• Supporting stronger councils 

“It is pleasing to see parties have come forward with commitments that councils and their communities have asked for since our initial report card in August – and their ratings have for the most part gone up – but there are still gaps that those wanting our vote can fill ahead of the election,” Ms Smith said. 

“In these closing days, councils and their communities will be looking for them to answer what they are doing to make their cities, towns and regions more liveable.” 

More than 21,000 voters have visited the LGAQ’s Vote for Local election platform with data showing the top three issues for voters were better local infrastructure, reducing the cost of living and energy and community transformation. 

The initial report card in August showed Labor, the LNP and Greens all received a 'C+' overall to the eight priorities and those asks put forward by councils. 

The LNP and Greens have since improved their marks, now both sitting at a B- while Labor remains static on a C+ and the Katter’s Australian Party has scored a C.  

Labor’s highest marks were for energy, empowering First Nations and protecting the environment while the LNP scored highest for stronger councils and cost of living. 

The Greens scored for better local infrastructure, energy and protecting the environment, and KAP for cost of living and empowering First Nations Peoples. One Nation are yet to formally respond.