A powerful grassroots advocacy campaign by Queensland local government has won new election commitments from the major political parties to help struggling councils maintain the liveability of their communities.
Labor Premier Steven Miles and LNP Opposition Leader David Crisafulli both acknowledged the financial crisis facing councils across the State at the 128th annual conference of the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) in Brisbane today.
Mr Miles promised the conference that his government, if re-elected, would continue to provide strong financial support for local government and establish a Queensland Indigenous Council Leaders Accord to help improve outcomes for First Nations communities.
Mr Crisafulli said an LNP government would also back the Accord as well as review cost shifting to councils, establish a taskforce to cut red tape, overhaul the councillor complaints system and establish a new $80 million Betterment Fund with the Federal Government to upgrade damaged infrastructure.
These commitments come amid the LGAQ's Vote for Local advocacy campaign and on the eve of the release of the campaign's final report card before next Saturday’s State Election.
Under the campaign, key election commitments made by major and minor parties are being reviewed and rated.
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said that the priorities of Queensland councils were those of Queensland communities.
“What we have shown with our Vote for Local campaign and platform is that the local government sector is a powerful force when it unites,” she said.
“Councils have come together to back a remarkable campaign - which has reached over 4.5 million Queenslanders – across digital, print, TV and outdoor advertising – to ensure the voices of their communities are heard loud and clear this State Election.
“So far it has resulted in more than 20,000 voters searching www.voteforlocal.com.au to check how the political parties are addressing issues that are front of mind for Queensland voters, such as protecting the environment, empowering First Nations People and building safer and resilient communities.”
Ms Smith said that in an election race dominated by the housing crisis, cost of living and community safety, the Vote For Local campaign showed that Queenslanders cared greatly about grassroots solutions for issues that impact their daily lives – regardless of politics.
She said the report card and campaign was backed by research released by the LGAQ which graphically illustrated the growing costs being shouldered by councils striving to maintain the liveabilit y of their communities.
“Our research into cost shifting shows how unsustainable this burden on councils has become as they are so often forced to step up and fill service gaps left by state and federal governments,” she said.
Ms Smith said that to ensure every Queenslander was given a fair go, the united voice of councils and their communities must be heard – now more than ever.
“Councils stand ready to partner with a State Government that will work with them over the next four years to ensure this happens for communities of all shapes and sizes – regardless of postcode.”
Queenslanders can join over 20,000 others in searching www.voteforlocal.com.au to find out more ahead of casting their vote this Saturday.