The Greens plan to deliver more funding to regional councils by bringing councils and the Federal government together to ensure a fairer distribution of crucial Commonwealth roads funding. Getting equitable road finding, based on financial need and the size of a council's road network, would see Hunter local councils with extra funding to build local infrastructure including roads, cycleway and walkways. 

No nation can achieve its potential if it fails to respect, and properly resource, the level of government closest to the people. The Greens understand this. That’s why we are releasing a package to strengthen local government in the regions.

When: 10:30am Wednesday 18 May 2016.

Where: Maitland, The Levee, (High Street near corner of Bulwer Street).

Why: Launch of Greens Regional Local Government Package for Federal election.

With the results of Queensland local council elections being declared, Senator Waters congratulated Queensland Greens members, volunteers and supporters on their exceptional results, including achieving Queensland’s first Greens Councillor, Jonathan Sri.

Qld Senator Larissa Waters, Australian Greens Deputy Leader, said:

Greens Councillors serve on Councils and Shires across Australia. Their achievements are diverse and are delivering significant benefits beyond their immediate local government area.

The Greens believe that the most important issue for local government in NSW is its effectiveness in providing a forum for community participation and democratic decision making by residents of local communities.

Read our submission in full at the PDF link below.

With QLD Premier Campbell Newman writing to his fellow Premiers calling on them to support a referendum on constitutional recognition of local government at the upcoming election, and strong support from local councils around Australia, it is clear momentum is building for a referendum so this important level of government is recognised, says Australian Greens local government spokesperson Lee Rhiannon commenting on parliamentary committee hearings in Sydney today.

The Greens have achieved a great deal for local communities serving on Councils across Australia.  This leaflet captures some of those achievements.

The federal government's failure to give leadership on constitutional recognition of local government increases the financial uncertainty facing councils and shires across the country, Greens local government spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said today.

Senator Rhiannon was responding to today's announcement that Local Government Minister Simon Crean plans to refer the proposed referendum on constitutional recognition to a parliamentary committee.

Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation  Committee

Estimates hearings 16 October 2012