Wollongong city council faces proposed $16 million federal funding cut
The NSW Local Government Grants Commission has proposed changing how it calculates federal assistance, which would cut Wollongong's share by $16 million.
At Monday's council meeting, Lord Mayor Tania Brown pushed back against the cut, calling it a "kick in the teeth". The commission altered its methodology, which would see Wollongong's federal assistance grant drop from $23.8 million to $7.7 million.
Councillors unanimously backed Brown's motion to challenge the decision with the state government and submit a formal complaint to the commission. The mayor said the council will now have to revise its budget and may have to cancel or delay projects.
Other regional councils including Newcastle, Maitland and Central Coast also face major cuts. Councillor Ann Martin said the city risked losing assets residents depended on.
- $16 million
- Annual funding cut
- $7.7 million
- New annual grant
- $23.8 million
- Previous annual grant
- Tania Brown
- Lord Mayor
Why it mattersThe council will have to cut planned infrastructure and services, affecting everything from roads to community facilities.
AustraliaWollongong residents will likely see delays in council projects and may face rate rises or service reductions.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 d ago
