Australian Council of Local Government
The inaugural meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG), held on 18 November at Parliament House Canberra, highlighted the Australian Government's agenda for forging a new and stronger partnership with local government.
More than 400 mayors and shire presidents across Australia attended the meeting to begin a genuine dialogue on a number of issues of concern to both levels of government. These included local, regional and national infrastructure, local government efficiency, improving the liveability of our major cities, strengthening regional economies, adapting to climate change, housing affordability, tackling Indigenous disadvantage and improving community wellbeing.
At the meeting, the Prime Minister announced initial funding of $300 million to councils and shires to build and improve community infrastructure and boost local economies through the new Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.
The meeting marked another important step in establishing closer links with local governments and the communities they represent. The creation of this Council has been endorsed by the President of the Australian Local Government Association.
Heads of local government representative organisations and state and territory ministers for local government and planning were also present at the inaugural meeting.
