MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Chris Bowen MP Acting Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 01 July 2008 AA073/2008

RUDD GOVERNMENT TO DELIVER $694 MILLION TO NSW LOCAL COUNCILS - AN INCREASE OF $64 MILLION (Media release issued by Chris Bowen, Acting Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government) The Rudd Labor Government is set to deliver more than $694 million to local councils and shires in New South Wales in the new financial year. This means an estimated $64 million more for New South Wales than the last financial year. All councils will be able to spend these funds on a range of priorities including local roads, parks and pools, libraries, community centres, health and child care services, and water and sewerage services. The estimated $694 million in funding for New South Wales councils in 2008-09 includes: $591 million in Financial Assistance Grants, which are untied and can be spent according to local needs; and $103 million in Roads to Recovery funding for nominated local roads [This includes funds not spent by local councils in previous years, which the Government will make available again this year]. The Rudd Labor Government is putting local government at the heart of our nation-building agenda. Australia's local government is not only critical to maintaining vibrant local communities but makes a vital contribution to the nation's productivity. For example, local councils maintain 144,750 kilometres of road across New South Wales. The Rudd Government also understands the importance of financial sustainability of local government and differing abilities to raise revenue. Rural and regional communities, in particular, are under increasing pressure.  That's why around two-thirds of the grants nationally will go to rural and regional councils due to their higher costs in providing services and difficulty in raising revenue. Local government grant commissions in each state and territory will recommend where the financial assistance grants will be allocated, with the first quarterly instalment to be delivered in August 2008.  Roads to Recovery funds are provided directly to councils for nominated local road projects. Media Contacts Moksha Watts ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0413 389 070   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2008/July/AA073_2008.htm