Mayor, Coulton at odds over value of grant pre-payment

COUNCILS across the Parkes electorate have had a chunk of next year’s Financial Assistance Grant pre-paid ahead of the election, with federal member Mark Coulton saying the early payment would give councils access to their future funds to help manage the cumulative impacts of recent flooding and COVID-19.

“This will provide a vital boost for our local communities, backing local jobs and economic growth while delivering lasting upgrades that will benefit residents for years to come,” Mr Coulton said.

Dubbo Regional Council will receive $9,446,716 and Narromine Shire Council will receive $3,759,984.

However, Dubbo Regional Council mayor Mathew Dickerson said the pre-payment had not made a significant difference in the town’s finances.

“They’re saying ‘here’s the money now, instead of next year’ but what do you do next year?” he said.

“It’s not that exciting to get the money now.

“My biggest concern is the reduction...the Federal Government gives money to council via the state, and the state determines who gets the money and in what quantity.

“This is the first time they’ve implemented the formula, based around a council’s disadvantage level. They determined Dubbo to be in a good state, therefore they give less money.

“It seems like a penalty for being a council in good order.”

Mr Dickerson said he would not accept the provided proposal, and would instead ask for the same or more money than before.

“They’re bringing some of it forward, not the full amount. I don’t see how it helps at all because we’ll still need money in the budget next year,” he said.

“I’d go so far to say that it probably promotes poor budgeting because we’re trying to spend the money earlier.

“I’d rather see other developments.”