John McVeigh (Groom, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is a great honour and, in fact, a pleasure to speak in support of the motion that was moved by the member for Mackellar recognising the important role that local government plays in Australia. In moving this motion, the member for Mackellar spoke of the fact that many in this House have a background in local government—he mentioned his own—and I, too, have enjoyed such a background, in my case in the Toowoomba Regional Council, brought about by the significant amalgamation in 2008, in Queensland, of the Cambooya, Crows Nest, Jondaryan, Pittsworth, Millmerran, Rosalie, Clifton, and, of course, Toowoomba councils at the time. I had the great honour of being elected via a by-election in late 2008, following the passing of the late councillor Ian Orford. So I began my career in local government almost exactly 10 years ago. It was tremendous to have the opportunity to serve, alongside others, the people of the Toowoomba region, through local government—as they say, the level of government closest to the people. In more recent times, I've had the great honour of being the federal minister for local government. So I support this motion, and I speak to this motion from the perspective of one who has had a fair involvement in the local government sector over many years.

I'm particularly proud that the coalition will provide more than $2.4 billion in untied grants to 546 local councils under the Financial Assistance Grants program, and the fact that the government have provided more than $11 billion under this program since 2013-14, underlining the fact that we've been very much focused on delivering local services and building vital community infrastructure, and one does that best by supporting the local government sector. From 2013-14 to 2021-22, the government has set about ensuring that $4.8 billion will be provided under the Roads to Recovery Program; almost $745 million to the Black Spot Program; and $480 million from 2015-16 for the Bridges Renewal Program—not to mention the more recent initiative, some $3½ billion for our Roads of Strategic Importance initiative.

These programs are important right across the country, nowhere more so than my own region around Toowoomba. Black spot funding in Toowoomba, for example, has seen us assist the Toowoomba Regional Council on the intersection of Hogg and Tor streets in Wilsonton Heights in the north-west corner of our city. Just over $1.05 million from the federal government has assisted the council, who also contributed $250,000, with that particular black spot that was identified. The Roads to Recovery Program has involved the allocation of just under $30 million to the Toowoomba Regional Council, including $1.8 million for the gravel sealing of Pierce Creek Road, and the Linthorpe Road reconstruction, with almost $1 million in contributions there. There is the Bridges Renewal Program. I can refer to the Mally Roadculvert, the latest Groom project under this program. There was some $350,000 for that. It is in Hodgson Vale, where those culverts are being replaced. Most importantly, the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative has great promise for the future. I'm already on the record as recommending to the government that the Brimblecombe Road, particularly with its intersection with the Warrego Highway, be a focus there.

When I talk about risk management from the regional council, I'm very proud of flood mitigation through our city since the tragic 2011 events. To be part of a government that has supported the Toowoomba Regional Council is very satisfying, in that regard in particular. But local government is not just infrastructure; it is about understanding the local community. I acknowledge that Toowoomba is a refugee-welcome zone, led by our mayor, Paul Antonio. I acknowledge that he and other councillors today, in Clewley Park in Toowoomba, have led a White Ribbon breakfast. I am unfortunately not able to be there, with parliament sitting, but that's what our council does.

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