UPDATE: Narrandera Mayor Neville Kschenka has issued a stark warning following his visit to the Western Sydney International Airport, highlighting a critical funding disparity between regional shires and city projects. This urgent call comes as regional councils struggle to secure vital infrastructure funding while urban developments enjoy seemingly limitless resources.
During the annual LGNSW conference in Penrith, Mayor Kschenka observed that the airport’s construction is progressing rapidly, incorporating a new railway station with both passenger and cargo services. This multi-billion-dollar project is bolstered by extensive access roads and freeways, emphasizing the vast financial backing available for city-centric initiatives.
“The focus was clearly on Sydney and its suburbs,” said Mayor Kschenka, expressing his frustration over the lack of attention to regional needs. He noted that Premier Chris Minns, while discussing affordable housing, avoided questions and failed to address the issues facing rural communities directly.
The conference addressed 134 motions submitted by various councils, although only about 90 motions were discussed due to time constraints. Notably, the Narrandera Shire Council successfully passed a motion urging LGNSW to lobby the NSW state government for fairer daily supply charges from Essential Energy for rural customers, aligning them with charges for urban residents.
The dialogue around housing shortages and planning reforms was prevalent, with Kschenka questioning the influx of migrants and their employment prospects. He also raised concerns about the need for Crown Land to be released, specifically land impacted by Aboriginal claims. In response, Kiersten Fishburn, secretary of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, expressed her willingness to engage further on these pressing issues.
The mayor emphasized the necessity for councils to receive adequate support, advocating for a return to one per cent FAGS grants to ensure sustainability. This conversation is vital as local councils face increasing pressure to meet community needs without the financial backing that urban projects receive.
As the discussions unfold, the disparity between urban and regional funding remains a critical issue demanding immediate action. Observers are urged to stay tuned as more developments emerge from the conference and the ongoing dialogue with state officials continues.
Mayor Kschenka’s insights underscore a significant challenge for regional councils, and the outcome of these discussions could have lasting implications for communities across New South Wales. The urgency for equitable funding cannot be overstated, as local leaders push for a more balanced approach to infrastructure development that addresses the needs of all citizens, regardless of their location.
