Future of Local Government - Bega Valley
The Future of Local Government - Graeme Faulkner
Q. Do you think local government has a future or will it be squeezed out of existence by lack of funds? Is there any likelihood that the Federal Government will come up with funds for local government?
A. I think the combination of rate pegging policy, reporting requirements and the continuing devolution of services to local government without revenue support will force the regionalisation of local government as it pursues economies of scale.
As a consequence, economic activity in Regional NSW will contract to larger urban centres which will wield a stronger political and economic influence and cast further questions on the necessity for three tiers of government in Australia.
In this context, I believe that a stronger financial relationship will grow between Federal and Local Government.
