Once again dire warnings are being given on the future funding of local government. Ratepayers are being conditioned to expect massive increases in rates and charges to prevent councils collapsing and civic amenities ceasing.
The third tier of government has been subtly changing over the past five decades. Councils were once described as responsible for " pot holes and rubbish collection " - and not much more.
That is not the case today. Councils have had all sorts of amenities offloaded by both the state and Federal governments. In most cases this added responsibility has not been matched with supporting funds, whilst in other cases bridging funds have been offered for the first few years - and then discontinued.
The time has come for the councils to do more than just draw a line in the sand. The damage has been done - and councils are in debt and with an unsustainable backlog of urgently needed work. The money is simply not there to bring civic amenities up to scratch.
A more aggressive approach is needed. It is time councils simply refused to fund functions that are not their responsibility - and if the two superior levels of government refuse to come to the party with funds - close them down !
Of course the ratepayers will suffer but if councils make it clear that they are simply turning back the responsibilities that have been foisted on them without financial support - then the other levels of government will be saddled with the blame.
Council ratepayers have two choices. Suffer a huge blowout in council rates and charges - or get involved in a fight to make state and Federal governments provide the funds for what have become off loaded social services.
One council can not do this alone. It will require a united front across the spectrum - but for too long councils have been saddled with proving services that are not in their domain.
The time has come for them to deliver a resounding " NO " !
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