Published Friday, 14 November, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Councils benefit from more than $800 million in funding
Councils in Queensland received grants and subsidies totalling more than $800 million last financial year, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation 2007-08 annual report shows.
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the funding delivered vital projects and services across the state, as well as supporting the transition to a new, stronger system of local government in Queensland.
“The Department of Local Government provided $774 million in direct support to councils to help them improve the level and quality of essential services and infrastructure,” Mr Pitt said.
“On top of the funding for everyday council services, the Queensland Government also provided a $27.1 million funding package to ensure the largest structural reforms in the history of local government were implemented.”
Mr Pitt said the department’s annual report, which was tabled in State Parliament today, showcased an historic year for the agency.
“This past year has involved some major reforms for councils, including boundary and name changes, among the many achievements for the government,” he said.
“We also maintained a strong focus on funding for essential water and sewerage infrastructure to ensure Queensland is well positioned to manage the ongoing drought.
“This included $189 million for water construction and conservation initiatives, with a further $46 million spent on new water and sewerage infrastructure for Indigenous communities.
“We have also been working closely with councils to develop a new Local Government Act, introduce a new performance evaluation and reporting model, and develop councils’ capacity.”
Mr Pitt said the year also involved significant changes occurring within the department, as it moved to a more regional approach to service delivery.
“During 2007-08, the department commenced a program which has seen staff and services move out of George Street in Brisbane and into the regions. These changes will improve support for our clients and will mean local solutions can be developed in partnership to solve local problems.”
Mr Pitt said the department was looking forward to further regionalising its services and working closely with councils in 2008-09.
“Queenslanders deserve strong, well-resourced and financially viable local governments, and this annual report demonstrates our commitment to achieving just that,” Mr Pitt said.
Copies of the annual report can be downloaded from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation website at www.dlgsr.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the funding delivered vital projects and services across the state, as well as supporting the transition to a new, stronger system of local government in Queensland.
“The Department of Local Government provided $774 million in direct support to councils to help them improve the level and quality of essential services and infrastructure,” Mr Pitt said.
“On top of the funding for everyday council services, the Queensland Government also provided a $27.1 million funding package to ensure the largest structural reforms in the history of local government were implemented.”
Mr Pitt said the department’s annual report, which was tabled in State Parliament today, showcased an historic year for the agency.
“This past year has involved some major reforms for councils, including boundary and name changes, among the many achievements for the government,” he said.
“We also maintained a strong focus on funding for essential water and sewerage infrastructure to ensure Queensland is well positioned to manage the ongoing drought.
“This included $189 million for water construction and conservation initiatives, with a further $46 million spent on new water and sewerage infrastructure for Indigenous communities.
“We have also been working closely with councils to develop a new Local Government Act, introduce a new performance evaluation and reporting model, and develop councils’ capacity.”
Mr Pitt said the year also involved significant changes occurring within the department, as it moved to a more regional approach to service delivery.
“During 2007-08, the department commenced a program which has seen staff and services move out of George Street in Brisbane and into the regions. These changes will improve support for our clients and will mean local solutions can be developed in partnership to solve local problems.”
Mr Pitt said the department was looking forward to further regionalising its services and working closely with councils in 2008-09.
“Queenslanders deserve strong, well-resourced and financially viable local governments, and this annual report demonstrates our commitment to achieving just that,” Mr Pitt said.
Copies of the annual report can be downloaded from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation website at www.dlgsr.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819