From the Mayor’s desk: Cr Claire Pontin

YOU may have seen that LGNSW has released its latest independent review into the costs that the State and Federal Government push on to Local Governments in NSW each year.

I have been campaigning for the State and Federal Governments to put a stop to their cost shifting patterns that are increasing the financial burden placed on local councils and their ratepayers.

As a result of that cost shifting every ratepayer in NSW is forking out almost $500 a year extra in their rates and in other fees and charges that we need to pass on.

The latest cost shifting report released by Local Government NSW revealed a total extra burden to councils of about $1.5 billion per year.

This cost shifting forces Councils to assume responsibility for infrastructure, services and regulatory functions without providing sufficient funding to cover the costs.

On the floods, I am continuing to press for a fair go for our residents who have still not received sufficient support.

I have written to Government Ministers requesting implementation of various housing and financial support packages and a better deal for our impacted local businesses.

I will be accompanying our local MP, Tanya Thompson and a group of local business owners in a delegation to discuss these matters directly with State Ministers in August.

I’ve been warned by the Mayor of Lismore that this advocacy will be required for years.

He is still engaged in this, three years after the Lismore floods.

I’m up for it.

While certain circles in the media and government departments have gone quiet and seemed to have moved on, I am continuing to demand more for those who were so badly affected.

By Claire PONTIN, MidCoast Mayor