Local Government Association of Queensland

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟎𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤. Queensland councils are responsible for $𝟏𝟓𝟎𝐁 𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, yet we receive just 𝟑 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐱 𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫. Today, Queensland councils are calling for a funding model that reflects 2025—not 1975. Read our open letter and check out our website for some more info! https://lnkd.in/gfe8rURQ #FederalElection2025

😮 This is Moranbah, in the 1970s. 📍We’ve changed – but how the Federal Government funds local councils, hasn’t. 🔊 Canberra, we need a new deal. ➡️ Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/gfe8rURQ Isaac Regional Council #FederalElection #DontLeaveUsInThe70s

Today Minister Brent Mickelberg MP held the second Bruce Highway Advisory Council (BHAC) meeting in Rockhampton, along with Minister Catherine King following January’s landmark announcement of a $9 billion 80:20 Federal/State government funding deal to help fix the Bruce. This is a critical artery for Queensland councils and the communities they represent and the LGAQ appreciates the opportunity to have a seat at the table, as part of BHAC, to represent the interests of Queensland’s local government sector and the important road infrastructure their communities deserve.

🍎 A dollar for an apple in Townsville - but ten dollars in Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council. 💬 Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Alf Lacey explains why the unique needs of community must come first when it comes to disaster recovery. 🌧️ Following natural disasters in north and southeast Queensland, and ahead of a Federal Election - councils are calling on the Federal Government to protect Queenslanders from a devastating financial blow after natural disasters, including making insurance more affordable and available, and speeding up disaster recovery: https://lgaq.news/42bjeJi

The Cost of Disasters Shouldn't Fall on You Queenslanders are being hit twice—first by natural disasters, then by skyrocketing insurance costs. Some have seen premiums jump by 500%. Others can’t afford insurance at all. This Federal Election, councils across the state are calling on all sides of politics to step up: 🔹 Fairer insurance pricing that rewards resilience 🔹 Faster disaster recovery with less red tape 🔹 Betterment funding so we rebuild stronger, not just patch things up Hear what mayors across Queensland are saying about the real cost of disaster recovery: https://lgaq.news/42bjeJi

This year’s report showcases how LGMS continues to provide Queensland councils with sustainable contributions, tailored risk solutions and expert support.   Inside, you’ll find: 📊𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀—how LGMS is navigating market pressures while keeping sustainable costs for budgeting purposes. 📊 𝗟𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 & 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮—what’s driving council claims and how to target risks. 📊 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 & 𝗶𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮—what were the common causes and how to identify them. 💡𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀—how LGMS is helping members build resilience against emerging risks like cyber threats and climate-related risks.   Read the full report here: https://lgaq.news/426TE8g

😮 This is Noosa, in the 1970s. 📍We’ve changed – but how the Federal Government funds local councils, hasn’t. 🔊 Canberra, we need a new deal. ➡️ Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/gfe8rURQ Noosa Council Frank Wilkie

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸: 1. Tracking Turtles After the Storm 🐢 Sunshine Coast Council is tracking the recovery of wildlife after ex-TC Alfred through a turtle research project. Thanks to Queensland Turtle Research Project and local citizen scientists, post-nesting turtles are being monitored on an interactive map, showcasing the resilience of our marine life. 2. The Great Wheelbarrow Race The Great Wheelbarrow Race, a highlight in Mareeba Shire Council, celebrates the historic Wheelbarrow Way, named after miners of the 1800s who used wheelbarrows to carry their belongings across the region. Watch the feature on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Back Roads now! 3. Governor of Queensland Supports Councils The Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Dr Jeannette Young, has been visting councils impacted by ex-TC Alfred such as Logan City Council to thank teams and volunteers for their efforts during the disaster. Her Excellency praised the collaboration between local councils, emergency services and community groups, acknowledging the resilience of our communities. 4. Free Varroa Mite Workshops for Beekeepers 🐝 Charters Towers Regional Council and Cloncurry Shire Council are helping local beekeepers protect their hives from Varroa Mite. These free workshops provide essential strategies for identifying and containing the threat, ensuring the health of bee populations and the agricultural industry. 5. Bundaberg’s Clean Up for a Greener Tomorrow Bundaberg Regional Council’s Clean Up Australia Ltd Day initiative brought together schools, organisations and trainees to clean up parks and waterways. As a Reef Guardian Council, Bundaberg remains committed to preserving its natural areas for future generations. 6. Paroo Shire’s Top Photo of the Month 📸 Paroo Shire Council’s Photography Competition showcases the stunning beauty of Queensland’s landscapes. February’s top photo, “Sunset at Mayvale Station” by Katelyn Swinn, captures the breathtaking essence of the region and celebrates local talent. How great is Queensland! 7. Toowoomba Thanks Volunteers for Their Efforts Toowoomba Regional Council has thanked the volunteers and workers who supported the community during the recent Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred event. From Queensland State Emergency Service volunteers to Ergon Energy Network workers and the Disaster Management Team, their efforts helped ensure residents' safety and recovery. The community’s spirit was crucial in navigating the challenges. 8. South Burnett Goes Pink for a Cause 🎗️ South Burnett Regional Council’s dedication to breast cancer awareness has earned them a McGrath Foundation award. The award recognises the community’s continued support, especially for local McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurse, Sue Cox, and the “Pinking up the South Burnett” initiative.

Yesterday someone asked why I didn't stop advocating for increased infrastructure funding after the previous State Government created the $350m Incentivising Infill Development Fund... so here's my answer.  The Fund was a fantastic initiative, but it's only one piece of a much bigger puzzle. The Fund was welcomed by infill developers - with the previous State Government committing to pick up the tab for their infrastructure charges, if they deliver housing within 3.5 years.   The Fund was so well-received that, within two weeks of applications opening, the full $350m had been applied for.  The Fund could help developments with marginal feasibility - by discounting the cost to developers by ~$30k per dwelling.  If this means more housing gets built, it will be a great outcome for the public too... but as always, more is needed.   While the Fund changed 𝘄𝗵𝗼 paid infrastructure charges to council, it did not change the 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 paid to councils. 'More homes' can't be built without 'more infrastructure', and 'more infrastructure' can't be built without 'more funding'.  So, while the Incentivising Infill Development Fund was a great initiative, we also need to look at the 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 of funding available, and 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 solutions that benefit 𝗮𝗹𝗹 of Queensland.

𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 In the north and south of our state, Queensland councils have faced the challenges of multiple natural disasters in recent weeks. Queensland’s disaster management framework is locally-led, putting councils in the hot seat when it comes to responding and working with emergency services. As such, the role of local government has never been more critical, and the need for strong leadership has never been more pressing. At a grassroots level, councils face real challenges in delivering community liveability. Our federal funding model is stuck in the '70s—something we hope all candidates will respond to as we head into the upcoming federal election. I recently wrote about this issue in more detail—take a look here: https://lgaq.news/43Fm1vp But beyond funding, each of Queensland’s 77 councils face unique as well as common challenges. That’s why bringing local leaders together is so important. By working through these issues as a sector, we can empower each other, find efficiencies, and break down roadblocks. This week the LGAQ’s Civic Leaders Summit: Directions in Leadership is enabling council discussions, questions and presentations about advocacy, building collaborative relationships, improving efficiency and mitigating emerging threats to the sector. Our theme for all LGAQ events in 2025 is one of the direction ahead, the pathway forward and navigating the future. Once the federal poll has been run we will have certainty in terms of all who hold local, state and federal seats for the next three years, and what are their policy positions and commitments to councils – the level of government closest to the community. It provides an opportunity for us to chart the course for community liveability advocacy, partnership and outcomes between now and 2028. The direction ahead is important now in 2025, into the year 2050 and into 2100.