LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS COMMISSION

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (15:02): My question is to the Minister for State/Local Government Relations. Will he explain the important role the South Australian Local Government Grants Commission has in ensuring our local communities can build and maintain vital infrastructure?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (15:02): I thank the honourable member for her interest in how South Australian communities meet infrastructure challenges. The South Australian Local Government Grants Commission is an independent statutory authority responsible for making recommendations to the Minister for State/Local Government Relations on the distribution of untied commonwealth financial assistance grants to local councils in South Australia.

The money received by councils through this important program goes towards building and maintaining vital infrastructure, such as roads and drainage works. South Australian councils are responsible for the maintenance of around 75,000 kilometres of road, which places a considerable burden on local government finances. In some instances the money received by councils through the commission can represent up to 30 per cent of it is overall budget, making it a vital source of infrastructure funding.

The commission travels to communities throughout South Australia, explaining the allocation process and discussing the infrastructure needs of individual councils. The funds are then distributed using a horizontal equalisation or needs-based approach, which compensates councils with a below average revenue-raising capacity and above average costs of service provision.

From time to time in my role as minister I take the opportunity to travel with the commission. Recently I visited the South-East with the commission, meeting with the seven local councils—Tatiara, Naracoorte-Lucindale, Grant, Wattle Range, Mount Gambier, Kingston and Robe. I travelled with the chair, Mary Patetsos, executive officer Peter Ilee and commissioners Jane Gascoigne and John Ross. Mr Ross is of course the former Tatiara District Council mayor, a seasoned farmer, well known and well regarded throughout the South-East for his commitment to the region. Travelling with the commission provides me with the opportunity to meet the mayors, councillors and council officers who are charged with running local government in South Australia.

These dedicated community leaders provided me with insights into the challenges currently faced by their respective communities. I am pleased to say that, subject to final approval, the seven South-East councils will receive almost $13 million between them through this round via general purpose, local road, and special road grants.

This considerable amount of money will positively impact on road safety, productivity, tourism and community connectedness. In November, I will again travel with the commission when it meets with councils across Eyre Peninsula. The government is proud of its commitment to ensuring local government is properly funded in this state, and we will continue to advocate on their behalf so they receive appropriate levels of funding.