The Commonwealth is sending $150 Million in new funding to local governments to improve community infrastructure, because as Minister Anthony Albanese puts it, “local councils are better positioned than the Commonwealth to establish local priorities for community developments.”

This funding is being provided under the two programs: the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) and the Livable Cities program.  $105 Million is slated for regional and rural councils and the remainder will be provided to major cities.

Minister Albanese announced the funds amidst a three-day Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) event in Canberra, which has attracted more than 1000 delegates from councils across the country.

“Today's announcement is another example of why we need to constitutional recognition of local government.  Direct funding from the Commonwealth for community infrastructure is important funding that we need to protect and the only way to protect this funding is by including local government in the Constitution,” ALGA President Felicity-ann Lewis said.