COOKE WELCOMES GRANTS COMMISSION DECISION ON COUNCIL FUNDING OVERHAUL
A week after calling for transparency over its proposed council funding overhaul, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the NSW Local Government Grants Commission’s announcement that it will not proceed with the changes.
The Commission proposed sweeping changes to how it allocates Financial Assistance Grants to local councils, which would have reduced general-purpose funding for most councils in the Cootamundra electorate.
The Commission consulted with the local government sector but did not explain how it had determined each council’s new funding amount, leaving councils unable to properly assess the impacts.
In a letter to councils, the Commission said it received 102 submissions, 54 raising significant concerns or proposing modifications, and 38 opposing the changes.
Ms Cooke said that she welcomed the Commission’s decision, which appears largely driven by stakeholder feedback.
“It is really positive to see the Commission make a decision that reflects the concerns raised by our councils and demonstrates that stakeholder feedback has genuinely been heard,” Ms Cooke said.
“Had this methodology been implemented, some councils in the Cootamundra electorate could have faced significant funding reductions, forcing difficult decisions about rate increases or service cuts.”
“I commend our councils for speaking up and making their concerns known, and I am pleased that these changes will not proceed in their current form.”
Ms Cooke said the outcome highlighted the importance of meaningful consultation and transparency when considering decisions that affect regional communities.
“I was very concerned about the lack of information available to councils in order for them to properly evaluate the implications of these proposed changes before the consultation closed,” Ms Cooke said.
“When councils are being asked to comment on reforms that could have significant financial consequences, they need access to all the relevant information to make informed decisions.”
“While I welcome this outcome, it must also serve as a reminder that regional, rural and remote councils cannot continue to shoulder more uncertainty at a time when they are already facing increasing cost pressures and growing demands on local services.”
