Last month, a new report from Local Government NSW confirmed rural councils across NSW are absorbing an additional $1.5 billion annually in costs pushed down by state and federal governments, an increase of 10% since 2021–22.
That is a staggering $11.3 billion over the past decade - nearly $500 a year per ratepayer that should be invested in our local roads, libraries, and community services.
Such offloading hurts those of us in for regional communities the most as we are already trying to manage the challenges that distance from the metropolitan cities brings when it comes to growth and development for our communities.
We are calling on both levels of government to urgently review the funding framework, restore Financial Assistance Grants to at least 1% of national taxation revenue, and properly fund state mandated responsibilities.
We keep advocating because our community deserves equity, predictability, and the freedom to thrive, without bearing the weight of unfunded mandates.