Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the pipeline of local community infrastructure projects is drying up because the Albanese Government has cut funding for regional development.
Speaking at the Australian Local Government Association’s annual conference in Canberra, Mr Chester said the Labor Party had failed to support local councils across Gippsland.
Mr Chester was on a panel with Shadow Trade Minister Kevin Hogan, which gave council representatives from across Australia the opportunity to ask questions about their sector.
“Hosted by ABC political reporter David Speers, the panel focused on shared issues of concern for local councils,” Mr Chester said.
“By far the biggest issue was the financial sustainability of local government and the need to secure funding for critical local infrastructure like roads and community facilities.
“I will continue to support efforts to deliver a fairer share of funding for local projects and giving our communities the chance to set their own priorities, rather than be dictated to by Canberra-based Ministers and bureaucrats.
“Funding for regional development has been decimated by the Albanese Government and the pipeline of local projects is drying up… we need a reliable source of funding to keep delivering the sporting centres, walking trails, childcare, and other community facilities which make it easier and more attractive to live and work outside our capital cities.”
