MEDIA RELEASE

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,
Regional Development and Local Government

The Australian Coat of Arms

26 September 2008
AA142/2008

INVITATIONS ISSUED FOR INAUGURAL MEETING OF AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Today I have begun issuing formal invitations to Mayors and Shire Presidents from Australia's 565 local governments to attend the inaugural one-day meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government, to be held on Tuesday 18 November at Parliament House.

The Rudd Labor Government is working in partnership with local government to plan for our nation's future and address its infrastructure challenges.

We want this historic meeting to be a success.

The creation of the Council has been endorsed by the President of ALGA, Cr Paul Bell AM.

After this first meeting, we shall announce the ongoing membership and charter of the Australian Council of Local Government to establish a regular dialogue with local government on issues of national significance.

The Australian Council for Local Government will give local communities a real voice in the future of Australia's national infrastructure.

The Government is already directly supporting local governments through:

  • A new local community infrastructure program from 2009-10 to help address the infrastructure needs of local communities;
  • Delivering $1.75 billion over five years to extend Roads to Recovery - an increase of $250 million for local roads;
  • Providing $1.9 billion this year (2008-09) through the Financial Assistance Grants;
  • Fulfilling our election commitments through the $176 million Better Regions program, with local governments and their communities set to benefit;
  • Partnering with local government to deliver $512 million through the Housing Affordability Fund; and
  • Taking steps to consider constitutional recognition of local government.

The national meeting will start with the Rudd Government hosting an official welcoming function on the evening of 17 November 2008. Winners of the 2008 National Awards for Local Government will be awarded there.   

The Government will meet the costs of holding the meeting, but each attendee will bear their own travel and accommodation costs. 

Media Contacts

Moksha Watts ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 02 6277 7680 / 0413 389 070

 

URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2008/September/AA142_2008.htm