A LOCAL MP has questioned the State Government’s commitment to working with councils, despite the recent re-signing of the Equal Partners in Government Agreement.
The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration between all levels of government to deliver better outcomes for communities across Queensland.
But State Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard has voiced her concerns, stating that while she supports greater cooperation, the Government’s past actions have been less than reassuring.
“I’ve proactively worked with the Mayor and Ipswich City Councillors over the years to lock in funding for important projects for Ipswich,” Ms Howard said.
“However, I recall that when David Crisafulli was the Local Government Minister in the Newman LNP Government in 2012, he cut millions in funding for councils right across the state.
“That’s what happened the last time the LNP signed an Equal Partners in Government Agreement.
“I would urge the Crisafulli Government to make no plans to cut funding again from Queensland councils.
“Our city council works hard for Ipswich, and as we’ve just seen with Tropical Cyclone Alfred, they were on the front line providing critical updates to residents, cleaning up after the floods, and getting our city back to normal.”
A spokesperson for Local Government Minister Ann Leahy refuted the claims and said the State Government would give councils the resources they needed to deliver for their communities.
“We are empowering councils by making Works for Queensland permanent, with a guaranteed funding package of at least $100 million each year, strengthening the Queensland Betterment Fund with a $40 million boost annually, and amending the Local Government Act to work for councils,” the spokesperson said.
“Under Labor, local governments were treated as second-class citizens, placed at the lowest rung on the ladder, without the respect or support they needed to deliver.
“We are working in partnership with local government to repair the relationship Labor destroyed.”
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding, said she remained confident in the State Government’s commitment, particularly in times of crisis.
“Ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred was a great example of how the state and councils can work collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for our communities, but it does not always happen that way,” Cr Harding said.
