The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport will hold a public hearing in Taree on Friday, May 8, as part of its inquiry into local government funding, with a focus on challenges facing councils across NSW.
The committee is examining funding pressures on regional and rural councils, including the capacity of local government workers to deliver infrastructure and services across large and diverse areas.
“The Committee is looking forward to learning more about the fiscal sustainability of local government in both northern Victoria and regional NSW and potential solutions to current challenges for fast-growing regional cities and geographically larger shires with fewer rate payers,” said Committee chair Fiona Phillips.
The Taree hearing will bring together a local government representative body from the Hunter and a range of shire and city councils from the mid-north coast and inland to the Tweed River. Discussions are expected to focus on financial sustainability, insurance and risk, workforce challenges, and the ongoing impact of natural disasters on councils across the state.
The Taree session follows earlier hearings in Wodonga and Wagga Wagga, but will place particular emphasis on the pressures facing NSW councils, especially those managing recovery from bushfires and floods.
Programs for each public hearing are available on the inquiry webpage, along with further information on the terms of reference and how to contribute.
Public hearing details
Friday, May 8
9.15am–4pm
Melaleuca Room, Club Taree, 121 Wingham Road
The hearing will be broadcast live on the Australian Parliament House streaming portal.
Further details, including submissions and transcripts from previous hearings, are available on the inquiry webpage.
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