The association is encouraging the State Government to consider reinstating the Country Local Government Fund after it announced in May 2013 that the fund would be scaled back to complete only existing projects.
According to WALGA, the funding is necessary to redress the almost $2 billion backlog |in regional infrastructure.
WALGA president Troy Pickard said there was a clear need for the reinstatement of the Country Local Government Fund and now there was evidence that it could be adequately funded through Royalties for Regions funds.
‘A review of the Country Local Government Fund found it had been well managed and provided necessary community infrastructure,’ Mr Pickard said.
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READ NOW‘This is vital if we are to encourage more people to move to country areas, which in turn will redress the population pressure in the metropolitan area.
‘The State Government’s key objective to support economic growth in the regions can be achieved by investing in local government infrastructure, making it more attractive for people to live in country areas.
‘Royalties for Regions funds will assist regional areas in creating modern, vibrant communities by delivering housing, infrastructure upgrades, health and education facilities and business development opportunities of a high standard.’