Plea for Govt Aid for Amalgamated Councils
Queensland's recently amalgamated councils needed financial support from the state government, Local Government Association of Queensland president, Cr Paul Bell said today.
"In April 2008, shortly after the amalgamations, Premier Anna Bligh invited the councils to make submissions for additional financial assistance. The deadline was March this year. It is now six months after that deadline and many councils are asking when the government is going to provide answers," Cr Bell said.
"There has been enough time to assess the applications. Councils and their communities deserve answers," he said.
"The costs of council amalgamations across the state could reach $200 million, much more than the $27million provided by the state to implement the changes.
"New information technology and communication systems required and salary and wages equalisation are just some of the factors created solely by the amalgamations - they are unavoidable and place permanent ongoing constraints on council budgets. The savings from the amalgamations are minimal and will be a decade or more before they are fully realised.
"On behalf of these councils, the LGAQ again calls on the government to provide additional funding to support the amalgamated councils. We seek urgent answers to the applications submitted by the councils," Cr Bell said.
Local Government Association of Queensland
LGAQ House, 25 Evelyn Street, Newstead Qld 4006
Cr Paul Bell, AM President
Executive
president@lgaq.asn.au
P: 07 3000 2222
M: 0418 791 596