We can’t cope with disasters: councils
Strategies for dealing with natural disasters are flawed and underfunded and will remain so without Federal Government investment, local councils say.
“Major risks to life and property exist” without more funding for natural disaster response strategies, the Local Government Association of SA says in its “federal election strategy” released today.
The LGA says the burden for preparing for unexpected natural events falls most heavily on local councils – and they don’t have the resources to cope.
“There is inadequate funding and uncertainty at the Commonwealth and State levels about realistic strategies and implementation programs to support disaster resilience in communities,” the strategy says.
“Major risks to life and property exist without adequate planning and action to address the management of stormwater.
“These geographical risks often cover many different Council areas and the necessary infrastructure is beyond the capacity of Local Government alone.”
You might like
Floods and bushfires are nominated as the two major natural disaster risks facing councils.
The LGA has highlighted the Brownhill and Keswick Creek flood mitigation project, repairs to the banks of the River Murray, and the building of a state-wide flood map as three key projects that need funding.
The LGA wants South Australian natural disaster resilience funding doubled from $2 million a year to $4 million.
Funding for the state’s 20 council-operated regional airports is also being sought to allow them to keep up with what councils claim are increasing airport security demands.
“Regional airports are being faced with increasing demands for upgrades in facilities and security.
“There is a need for a specific fund to support these regional airports, some of which are established primarily for Flying Doctor Services while others are generating economic opportunities for their local areas.”
Stay informed, daily
Investment of $5 million per year is needed to support airport security upgrades, the LGA says.
The LGA is also calling for:
A COMMITMENT to constitutional change to recognise local government. The Federal Government has already committed to a referendum on the issue at the next election.
A 28 PER CENT INCREASE in federal funding for South Australia’s local councils.
$20 MILLION OVER FIVE YEARS for wastewater recovery programs.
A LONG-TERM FUNDING PROGRAM to allow councils to help their suburbs react to the impacts of climate change.
A NEW STRATEGY FOR regional economic development.
Want to see more stories from InDaily SA in your Google search results?
- Click here to set InDaily SA as a preferred source.
- Tick the box next to "InDaily SA". That's it.
