Ballina, Byron and Tweed councils will benefit from the Australian Government’s pre-payment on  next year’s Financial Assistance Grant to all councils across Australia.

Senator for NSW, Perin Davey, said this early payment will give every council access to funds to help  manage the cumulative impacts of the floods and COVID-19.

“The funding will target councils’ top priorities and will ensure the needs of our local communities  are met,” Senator Davey said.

“More than $15.5 million will be distributed between the three councils as untied funding meaning it is free for the councils to determine how, where and what it is spent.

“This will provide a vital boost for these local communities, backing jobs and economic stimulus while delivering lasting upgrades that will benefit residents for years to come.”

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister and Assistant Minister for Local Government, Kevin Hogan, said pre-paying the Financial Assistance Grant means the Government is backing local  councils when they need it most. 

“The Government is committed to continuing its support to local governments, given their important  role in delivering vital services and ensuring quality of life for Australian communities,” Mr Hogan  said.

“These grants are untied in the hands of local government, allowing councils to spend the grants  according to local priorities – a real shot in the arm for councils and local decision-making in these  challenging times.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work of local officials – with support from our Government – in dealing with natural disasters and their aftermath at a community level.

“I have been in regular contact with mayors, councillors and other local government ministers to understand the realities on the ground, and to make sure we are all playing our part.

“A stable and effective local government sector is good for the nation and we will continue to do what is good for the nation through these crises.” 

In this round of Financial Assistance Grants, Ballina Shire Council will receive $3,873,748 in funding, Byron Shire Council with $2,789,011 and Tweed Shire Council with $8,903,993.

Since 1974–75, the Australian Government will have provided local Governments with $64 billion in  untied funding through the Financial Assistance Grant program to 2022-23. The Commonwealth has committed $2.8 billion in funding to local Government in 2022–23, 75 per  cent being brought forward to be paid early to local Governments for rebuilding after floods and the  transition and planning of living with COVID-19.

More information is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/local government/financial-assistance-grant-local-government.