Councils push for funds

CARDINIA Shire Council has called for federal MPs to support funding for community infrastructure in growing municipalities.
The council and other members of the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) recently put the hard word on local MPs as part of its Fund the Gap campaign.
The campaign was launched several weeks ago and local residents have been signing postcards to MPs in support of the plea for extra funding.
Cardinia Shire mayor Kate Lempriere said support for the campaign was growing.
“Our community, like us, is seeking answers,” she said.
NGGA councils say they are hard pressed to fund essential amenities such as libraries, public open spaces, swimming pools, childcare services and road infrastructure.
Cr Lempriere said it was time for the Federal Government to step up and help fund projects in the growth corridors.
“The Federal Government surplus this year alone is more than $17 billion, which is commendable, but is not seen by the person in the street to be assisting them or their families on a personal level,” she said.
“The Victorian State Government was last voted out with a large surplus intact,” Cr Lempriere said.
Federal Government ministers and senior members of the Opposition had recognised the need for more funding in growth corridors but needed to commit and deliver, Cr Lempriere said.
NGAA councils plan to circulate MPs’ responses to local communities and hold discussions with ratepayers and candidates during the Federal election campaign.