Glen Innes Severn Council’s Mayor, Deputy Mayor and General Manager are attending the 2025 National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) in Canberra this week and have raised four key motions.
The NGA is the largest annual gathering of local government leaders in Australia, where councils from across the country come together to discuss key local government issues and put forward motions for national consideration.
The four motions accepted for debate focus on regional priorities critical to the community:
1. Financial Sustainability
Council is calling on the Australian Government to restore Financial Assistance Grants to one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue by 30 June 2025. This funding is critical to ensure local councils can maintain essential services and support strong, vibrant communities.
2. Place-Based Funding Reform
Council is supporting the introduction of place-based, needs-based and outcome-driven funding models, with a commitment to provide a minimum of $1,000 per person annually over 10 years. This approach aims to ensure councils receive adequate resources to deliver essential services where they are needed most.
3. Housing Solutions
To address the national housing shortage, Council is urging the Australian Government to establish a Land Development and Housing Construction Fund. This fund would provide councils with the tools needed to increase the supply of affordable housing in their communities.
4. Biochar and the Circular Economy
Council is advocating for support to implement the Australian Biochar Industry 2030 Roadmap, a pioneering framework designed to tackle climate change, waste management, job creation and clean energy. Biochar presents an important opportunity for innovation and sustainability in regional areas.
Mayor Margot Davis said the NGA provides an essential platform for rural and regional voices to be heard where it matters most.
“Our motions focus on the real challenges and opportunities facing regional areas like Glen Innes Severn. They highlight practical, scalable initiatives that can help rural councils deliver better outcomes for their communities.
This is an important opportunity to advocate for our region, and the broader needs of regional and rural councils across Australia,” Cr Davis said.
Since 1994, the NGA has united councils nationwide to speak with one voice on the issues that matter most to their communities.
Mayor Davis added, “While we’re only a small council, we’re bringing forward ideas with the potential to make a big impact — not just for Glen Innes Severn, but for other communities across Australia,” she said.
To learn more about the NGA, visit: alga.com.au/event/2025-national-general-assembly/
