Wyndham City has welcomed the findings of a Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government funding and services.
The report, released this week, made a number of recommendations that would assist Wyndham City to continue to invest in the services and infrastructure residents need.
Key recommendations of the Inquiry include the reinstatement of more equitable funding for Maternal Child and Health Services, restoration of a 50/50 funding model for public libraries and school crossing programs and the avoidance of delays in providing funding through the Growth Areas Infrastructure Contributions scheme to mitigate cost escalations.
Wyndham City Mayor, Cr Mia Shaw, said: “Wyndham City certainly supports these recommendations.”
“We proudly made a submission to this Inquiry, and our CEO Stephen Wall fronted the Committee last month, telling the story of growth Councils. We’re pleased to see that our message was heard loud and clear, and is reflected in these recommendations.”
“As one of the fastest growing municipalities in Victoria and Australia, we need State Government assistance to help provide the services and infrastructure our residents need, and we need it in a timely, more equitable manner.”
“For example, In 1975, public libraries were funded through a 50/50 partnership between the State and local Councils. Over the years, the State’s contribution has declined to just 17 per cent, leaving Council to cover the remaining 83 per cent. This shift has created significant financial and operational challenges for Council.
“As well, the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service is a critical program to support the health and development of young children and their families in Wyndham.”
“However, the current state of the service reveals significant financial, operational, and workforce issues which impact the service and Council’s financial position.”
“Council is currently shouldering 60 per cent of the cost of this service, when in fact it should be a 50/50 partnership.”
“Council also supports the recommendation that the Victorian Auditor-General investigate the financial impacts of cost-shifting onto Councils. We know it’s happening, but an independent analysis that looks at cost-shifting sector wide is essential to greater understanding of just how much it is happening.”
“While we acknowledge and thank the State Government for a number of significant funding grants, we simply cannot afford to deliver services and infrastructure to keep up with our fast-growing community.”
“We strongly believe the State Government should provide funding models and grant allocations that specifically address the rapid growth and infrastructure demands of councils like Wyndham.”
“The Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution Fund (GAIC) is a great example. Funds should be invested where they are collected in a timely manner to ensure our community has the infrastructure they need. We acknowledge the State’s recent investment in our City via this fund, and we want to see this more commonplace.”
