Ian Goodenough (Moore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is Local Government Week in Canberra, with more than 800 delegates attending the Australian Local Government Association's National General Assembly of Local Government. Mayors, councillors and senior staff from cities, towns and shires across Australia are in town to meet, network and lobby the federal government for additional funding for roads, community buildings, infrastructure and facilities for their local regions. It is a highly competitive process with many worthy projects. I am pleased to support the West Australian Local Government Association delegation from my home state, led by President Lynne Craigie, Deputy President Tracey Roberts, Chief Executive Officer Ricky Burges and accompanying delegates. In particular, I recognise Joondalup Mayor, Troy Pickard; Wanneroo Mayor, Tracey Roberts; and City of Stirling Mayor, Giovanni Italiano; and Councillor for the City of Perth Keith Yong, who is here in the gallery.

Prior to being elected to parliament, I served 14 years as a councillor, so I understand the importance of federal funding for local government. I am pleased to support my local cities in their applications for federal funding under programs including Roads to Recovery, Black Spot Programme, Stronger Communities Programme and National Stronger Regions Fund, as well as to endorse funding for various capital works for infrastructure projects. When all levels of government work together cooperatively, we can achieve beneficial outcomes for our local communities.