PHOTO: CMA Deputy Chair Russell Fitzpatrick and Chair Rick Firman. Photo: supplied.
The interim report on local government sustainability released in February highlighted the multiple hats regional councils have to wear for their communities.
The report states that councils are increasingly required to look beyond the three Rs (roads, rates, and rubbish) and have to manage complex infrastructure and service issues that were previously the responsibility of the federal and state governments, all while battling declining income.
The inquiry was launched in March 2024 to gather a deeper understanding of local government financial sustainability and funding frameworks, alongside the changing infrastructure requirements and service delivery obligations…