Time is now to back local, fund local and build SA’s future

With the 2025 federal election announced, LGA South Australia is calling on our nation’s leaders to back local, fund local and build SA’s future.

While councils continue to invest and deliver essential services, increased investment is needed in road safety, emergency management, climate change and programs to support liveability.

This election, South Australian councils want to see federal funding and policy reform to reflect the essential role of local government in building our state’s future.

Every road repaired, park upgraded, local business supported and service delivered happens where people live, work and play – and it’s councils that are on the frontline leading the way.

LGA President, Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross said councils need increased national funding to ensure communities have the infrastructure, services and support they deserve.

“Councils are at the heart of local communities. From the local roads and footpaths we drive and walk on, to the parks, ovals and playgrounds we visit, local government is the glue holding it all together,” Dr Holmes-Ross said.

“But right now, councils are being asked to do more with less and it’s reached a point where that is no longer sustainable.

“Financial Assistance Grants have nearly halved in the past 30 years – from 1 per cent to just 0.51 per cent today.

"People expect their councils to deliver safe roads, community spaces and essential services – but without fair funding, councils are being forced to make tough choices about what gets done and what gets left behind.

“It means delayed infrastructure projects and vital services being stretched to their limits.

"Current cost of living pressures mean councils are also being asked to deliver more services as families look to save money.

"Parks, and reserves, libraries, community centres and community programs are seeing increasing numbers of users and a demand for longer opening hours.

"Councils want to provide these services for communities, but are having to fund additional costs to meet the increased demand.

“The reality is councils can’t fund everything from rates alone and with federal support failing to keep up, it’s communities who are left feeling the impact.”

LGA’s key asks ahead of the federal election include:

• fairer funding for councils for roads
• increased investment to support liveable communities and housing enabling infrastructure
• increased funding for emergency management, and climate and coastal adaptation.

Finalisation of work on national harmonisation and the expansion of Container Deposit Schemes to support a circular economy should also be made a federal priority.

Dr Holmes-Ross said South Australian councils collectively manage $28 billion in community assets, yet the share of federal funding the sector receives has been cut in half over the years.

“That means local roads, parks, natural disaster preparedness and community infrastructure are all at risk. Our councils need fair funding to keep delivering the services people rely on every day,” Dr Holmes-Ross said.

"We know every dollar invested locally goes further. When councils are properly funded, they are better placed to build stronger communities, create local jobs and make sure families, businesses and industries have the infrastructure and resources they need.

"Right now, South Australia is getting shortchanged – councils manage 75 percent of the roads in our state, yet the federal funding local government receives to support this significant upkeep doesn’t stack up when compared to other states.

"This federal election, we’re calling on our national leaders to back local, fund local, and help build a stronger future for South Australia. Our communities can’t afford more delays, more cuts, or more short-term thinking.

"Our message is simple – invest in councils, and you invest in communities. If we want safer roads, better parks and playgrounds, more action on housing and stronger local economies, we need Canberra to step up.”

For a full overview of LGA’s federal election asks, visit our website:  www.lga.sa.gov.au/2025-federal-election