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Disappointment has been expressed in the State Budget’s failure to recognize the third tier of government, local councils.
The Monash Ratepayers Association is disappointed today with the Municipal Association of Victoria’s (MAV) response to the Budget, which simply emulates the State Government’s position.
If the Municipal Association of Victoria so readily accepts crumbs from the biggest ever State Budget exceeding $30 billion, it is a reflection on its and its leader Cr Lake of Monash City Council, who is also the President of the Municipal Officers Association. His and the MAVs inability to represent the interests of Local Government is pathetic.
We are told that many councils have expressed their disappointment, not only with John Brumby’s ‘empty budget’ but also for the lack of gumption and support displayed by the MAV - the peak body that is supposed to represent their best interests.
The MAV claims that an extra $10 million under the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund for capital works, new industry development, linking transport infrastructure and improving tourism facilities is progress, beggars belief.
The $36 million over 4 years to expand Home and Community Care Services (HACC) does nothing to address the present funding shortfalls in HACC services.
Presently councils, including the City of Monash, are preparing their 2005/06 budgets and were desperately hopeful that at least a percentage of the tax windfall gains reaped by the Bracks Government would be shared with local government.
There is absolutely nothing in this Budget for small rural councils to help them cope with failing infrastructure.
There is no new money for recurrent Library funding and the Budget demonstrates that the State Government cares little about cutbacks and closures to our public library services, expecting ratepayers to pick up the tab.
Rates will continue to increase by an average of 10% a year until the State Government accepts onus and responsibility for funding inequities in the local government sector and starts dealing out a decent hand from their stack.
There is apparent conflict of opinion between councils and their peak local government body, the MAV, which raises serious questions about the best interests and future progress for local government beyond 2005/06. Shame on you Councilor Lake! The only thing you really seem to stand for and represent is your own ambition and rise through the Labor Party.
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