Greg Warren has moved fast to call on the NSW Local Government Grants Commission to have another think about its new model of funding which would result in savage cuts to local councils, including Campbelltown.
Responding to the coverage of the cuts in the South West Voice, the member for Campbelltown has written to Linda Scott, the chair of the Commission, to express his concerns.
“While I appreciate the Commission’s efforts to review the funding methodology, I have significant concerns regarding the potential impacts on Campbelltown City Council and Wollondilly Shire Council and the communities they serve,’’ he says in the letter that was emailed to Ms Scott earlier today.
“As one of the fastest-growing areas in New South Wales, Campbelltown and Wollondilly face substantial and increasing demands for infrastructure, community facilities, transport connections, environmental management and local services.
“My first concern is that any funding model which results in a significant reduction in Financial Assistance Grants for councils should not be implemented without a substantial transition period.
“Councils undertake long-term financial planning and are already considering future budgets.
“Sudden funding reductions would place considerable pressure on councils and ratepayers and would undermine the ability of councils to responsibly plan for growth and service delivery.’’
Mr Warren also wants to see more transparency in the methodology used to determine disadvantage, service demand and local government capacity.
His concern is that the proposed methodology may not “necessarily capture the pressures faced by rapidly growing metropolitan and peri-urban councils such as Campbelltown’’.
“Growing councils often face unique challenges, including the need to deliver new infrastructure, maintain expanding asset bases and provide services to increasing populations.
“It is not clear from the consultation material how these demands are reflected within the proposed funding framework,’’ he says in the letter to Ms Scott.
“Greater transparency regarding the underlying methodology and weighting of factors would assist councils and communities in understanding the rationale behind any proposed changes.
“Given the potential significance of these reforms, I also believe councils should be afforded adequate time to review and comment on the proposed model before any final recommendations are made.
“I would encourage the Commission to further consult with affected councils and stakeholders before progressing any changes to grant allocations.’’
