Council
1 April, 2025
Mayors call for fair share
MORETON Bay and Somerset mayors, Peter Flannery and Jason Wendt, are calling on the Federal Government and Opposition to increase local government funding.
Both mayors have expressed their disappointment and were particularly critical of both major parties, saying their policies lacked appropriate support for councils to keep up with cost and demand.
Somerset and Moreton are part of the Local Government Association of Queensland’s (LGAQ) campaign calling for fairer funding for local governments, which they claim is 50 years out of date.
Councils currently receive Financial Assistance Grants worth less than 50 cents for every $100 of tax paid by Australians, the LGAQ claims.
According to Cr Wendt, restoring the model to $1 for every $100 paid in tax would “go a long way” towards guaranteeing the services the community counts on from local governments.
“The demands and expectations of local governments are radically different from 1974, when the current funding model was introduced,” he said.
“Ultimately, if councils are not properly funded into the future for our growing population, then we only have two options: cut services or increase rates – it’s that simple.
“We’re asking the Federal Government for a fair share for councils and their communities.”
Cr Flannery echoed the sentiment, saying “disappointing” their push for a fairer share of tax revenue not being recognised, adding “it is beyond comprehension” to think that councils can continue to provide everyday services, while at the same time funding major infrastructure projects, receiving only 3 percent of tax revenue.
“We will continue to campaign for the Federal Government to review this age-old funding allocation, to help councils better support their community,” he said.
Cr Flannery added Moreton Bay needs critical infrastructure funding, as well as disaster resilience, calling for “a small piece” of the $13.5bn funding set aside for disaster and recovery.
“City of Moreton Bay is calling for just $30 million, a small piece of the pie and price to pay, to support first responders and our community during emergencies for a dedicated Local Disaster Coordination Centre,” he said.
The new Federal Budget has, however, allocated significant funding for two major highways that affect Moreton Bay and Somerset: the Bruce Highway and the Brisbane Valley Highway (BVH).
Cr Wendt said he is pleased both the Federal Government and Opposition committed $20 million to upgrading the BVH, with the funding already locked into the new budget, but noted “much more funding is required to bring the BVH up to a safe and reliable standard.”
“This investment will deliver urgent repairs to some of the worst sections of the highway while also supporting the development of a long-term strategy, with council seeking ongoing financial commitments from the Government,” he said.
“Council will continue its strong advocacy to ensure the highway receives the long-term investment needed to support our growing region and reduce the risk of serious accidents and fatalities.”
Cr Flannery also welcomed the Labor Government’s commitment to an 80/20 funding model for the Bruce Highway but added “there is more to Moreton Bay than the Bruce Highway,” with other areas requiring urgent funding, other than the highway.
“City of Moreton Bay suffers from the Bruce effect. Any investment currently on the table linked to major infrastructure is tied to this national road that just cuts the City in half. It does not contribute to the broader infrastructure required for 535,000 residents and 240 new residents every week.
“We are calling for a serious investment in important congestion-busting projects that are ready to be delivered and can alleviate local traffic and commuter chaos now.”
Cr Flannery also noted the urgent need for more housing funding and employment opportunities, welcoming election commitments that support housing initiatives, including promised funding of $5bn from the Opposition for enabling infrastructure like water, power, and sewerage to unlock housing development.
“This is something needed sooner rather than later,” he added.
Cr Wendt also welcomed the commitment from the Federal Government to expand mobile phone coverage and emergency triple-0 calls in Somerset through the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation, noting “telecommunication is a big issue in Somerset,” due to blackspots and regular outages.
“We also welcome the Federal Opposition’s commitment to make insurance more affordable,” he added.
“Increasing the affordability and availability of insurance for households and businesses is critical to supporting our community’s growth in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.
“The Federal Government’s Budget and the Opposition’s Budget Reply had some significant promises to address the cost of living.”
Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, called this “a responsible budget,” that commits to relieving cost-of-living pressures.
“We are delivering real cost-of-living relief now, while also investing in the future,” he said.
“We’re delivering this through tax cuts for every Australian, reducing the cost for energy bills for every household and strengthening Medicare through making medicines even cheaper and delivering 50 more Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.”
