NSW Grants Commission abandons funding cuts to Riverina councils
What happened
The NSW Local Grants Commission decided not to implement a draft revised methodology for distributing Commonwealth financial assistance grants to councils, following feedback from local government bodies. The commission chair, Linda Scott, confirmed the existing funding methodology will continue to apply. The proposed changes would have resulted in over $9 million being removed from Federation, Greater Hume, and Lockhart shires.
From bordermail.com.au
Why it matters
The reversal of the funding methodology prevents severe financial cuts to local government areas in New South Wales. The commission noted that 38 out of 102 councils that submitted feedback opposed the draft changes, and the NSW Country Mayors submission stated the new methodology could not be supported.
Federation Council and Lockhart councils were facing severe funding cuts due to proposed changes in grant distribution.
From bordermail.com.au
Who's involved
- Linda ScottCommission chair who communicated the decision to mayors
- Federation CouncilLocal government area affected by the potential funding cuts
- New South WalesState where the local government areas are located
- CommonwealthSource of the Commonwealth financial assistance grants
- LockhartOne of the shires that would have lost millions in funding
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Federation CouncilSpeculative
Federation Council might avoid a significant loss of funding access.
- LockhartSpeculative
Lockhart might avoid millions of dollars in funding cuts.
- New South WalesSpeculative
New South Wales might see stabilized local government funding.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Federation Council
local government area in New South Wales, Australia
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Linda Scott
American management academic
Nothing else this week.