Newman Government focuses on freeing councils from debt

The Newman Government is re-empowering councils to decide what’s in the best interests of their regions.

Minister for Local Government David Crisafulli said the 2012-13 State Budget would support the state’s 73 councils in their transition to sustainability and help alleviate the debt burden.

“We’re reviewing the Local Government Act 2009 to ensure mayors and councillors have the authority and capacity to make good decisions,” he said.

“By making urgent cuts to the regulation that impedes local government, we are lowering the costs of doing business.”

In 2012-13 the Newman Government will provide $148.5 million in capital grants to enable councils to carry out new projects, as well as major upgrades to water and sewerage infrastructure.

The budget also includes:

·$40 million over three years to assist councils in implementing the recommendations of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry

·$500,000 for level two flood-mapping of 100 towns

·$8 million over four years in graffiti removal grants

·$93.5 million over three years for grants and subsidy programs to improve indigenous communities

Mr Crisafulli said the Newman Government had also announced the $495 million Royalties for the Regions fund to help councils manage the impacts of the mining boom.

“Funding in this budget has been carefully allocated to the areas it’s needed most. The state can’t afford any more waste,” he said.

“The councils I’ve met with all understand the tough decisions we are making to rein in spending.”

Treasurer and Minister for Trade Tim Nicholls said interest on the debt the LNP inherited from the previous Labor Government was the fastest growing government expense.

“Councils are now paying millions more to service their debt because Labor lost the AAA credit rating. The best thing we can do for councils is to get the State’s books back in order,” he said.

“Spending less on interest will enable us to spend more delivering the services Queensland deserves.”

[ENDS] 11 September 2012

www.budget.qld.gov.au

Media contact:

Mr Crisafulli’s office: Monica Rostron 0409 126 332