LGAQ Challenges Federal Decision, Seeks Fair Infrastructure Funding

January 31, 2025

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has voiced its discontent over the federal government’s recent decision barring councils from directly submitting proposals to Infrastructure Australia, an independent statutory body. The LGAQ is particularly frustrated as they strive to secure fair infrastructure funding for Queensland’s communities. The association argues that Queensland’s unique features, including its decentralized nature, high migration rate, and frequent exposure to natural disasters, necessitate direct council involvement to identify significant nation-building projects. The inability to submit proposals directly could leave local communities sidelined in the federal infrastructure funding process, especially considering the crucial role of Infrastructure Australia’s priority list in shaping national development.

Financial Strains and Funding Arrangements

Another layer of concern for LGAQ is the federal government’s shift from the traditional 80:20 funding arrangement to a 50:50 basis. This transition has posed substantial financial challenges for local councils, which the LGAQ has opposed since its inception. The association argues that placing a higher financial burden on councils may impede their ability to undertake essential infrastructure projects. Although there has been a reversion to the 80:20 funding arrangement specifically for Bruce Highway projects, LGAQ contends that this split should be more broadly applied to all roads and infrastructure developments. Such consistency, they argue, would ensure more equitable development and inclusion across Queensland, particularly benefiting communities that might otherwise struggle under the financial strain of the current arrangements. The LGAQ continues to advocate for broader implementation of the 80:20 split to support local councils effectively.

Advocating for Direct Submissions and Equitable Development

LGAQ’s campaign emphasizes the critical need to restore councils’ authority to propose projects directly to Infrastructure Australia. They argue this step is essential for effectively addressing Queensland’s specific infrastructure needs. Without this power, there’s a real danger that local priorities will be sidelined in favor of larger, centrally managed projects. Furthermore, LGAQ asserts that infrastructure funding should account for Queensland’s unique characteristics, such as decentralization, high population growth, and frequent natural disasters, which differ from other states’ challenges. The association is advocating for a re-evaluation of federal decisions, stressing that enabling councils to submit their proposals and returning to more equitable funding distributions are crucial for fair and effective infrastructure development. Ultimately, LGAQ’s plea to overturn these federal choices calls for recognizing and accommodating Queensland’s distinct needs, promoting a more balanced and inclusive strategy for national infrastructure funding.

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