A STIMULUS package for local governments must be a consideration by state and federal politicians moving forward, according to Leeton Shire Council.
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Council has called on the state and federal governments to continue to provide financial support and assistance to local government and communities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The matter was discussed during a digital meeting of council on Tuesday night after being put forward by councillor Paul Maytom in a mayoral minute.
With council having to stand down casual staff and local governments not given access to JobKeeper payments, Cr Maytom said it was essential the two higher levels of government did more to help.
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As part of a broader campaign, local governments across the state and country are calling on their state and federal counterparts to "urgently deliver multifaceted financial support and packages.
Leeton shire said measures such as increasing the financial assistance grants to one per cent of federal tax income in a non-COVID year would help maintain council functions, while increased access to TAFE, VET and apprenticeship opportunities would help address skills shortages.
An increase in funding for projects to stimulate the local economy is also something council would like to see.
Mayor Maytom said the state and federal governments had led the country well so far, but more needs to be done to support communities.
"While it is too early to assess the long-term revenue and cost impacts to council (of the pandemic), we have already seen changes to our service delivery and the way our staff undertakes their duties," he said.
"The physical distancing restrictions forced the closure of many important local community services operated by council ... I commend our staff for the innovations they have pursued to enable our community to have continued remote access to some of these services.
"Council now faces increased costs in some areas and declining revenue in others.
"While Leeton has been fortunate to have no confirmed cases ... the reality is there remains uncertainty about how long the pandemic will continue."