Tweed Shire Council say it has secured national support at the Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly, with four key motions carried.
They say, ‘The result strengthens the case for Federal action on critical issues affecting regional, coastal and border communities, including sustainable funding, biosecurity and stronger collaboration between governments’.
Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said the outcome reflects the strength of Council’s advocacy on issues that directly affect local communities.
‘We’re pleased to see these important motions endorsed nationally, particularly those that address long-term financial sustainability, strengthen biosecurity, and improve collaboration between governments,’ Cr Cherry said.
‘These are real issues affecting communities like the Tweed. National backing sends a clear message that local government needs sustainable funding and stronger coordination to deliver for our communities.’
Key Tweed-supported motions
Motion 91 – Restoring direct and sustainable Federal funding
This motion calls for Financial Assistance Grants to increase to at least 1% of Commonwealth taxation revenue, up from around 0.51%.
It highlights the growing infrastructure backlog faced by councils and the increasing pressure on ratepayers. The motion seeks more predictable, long-term funding to support essential services and infrastructure delivery.
Motion 139 – National Fire Ant Eradication Program funding
Put forward with partner councils, this motion calls for sustained Federal funding beyond 2027 to support the eradication of red imported fire ants by 2032.
It recognises fire ants as a major national biosecurity threat with serious economic, environmental and public safety impacts if left unchecked.
Motion 141 – Nationally consistent weed and pest animal regulations
This motion calls for nationally consistent regulations to manage weeds and pest animals.
It highlights how inconsistent state-based frameworks create challenges for border communities like the Tweed, increasing compliance complexity and allowing invasive species to spread more easily. The motion seeks stronger coordination and standardised biosecurity controls.
Motion 198 – Improved consultation between State and Local Government
This motion calls for more genuine and consistent consultation between state governments and local councils on reforms affecting the sector.
It highlights the risks of unilateral decision-making and the importance of incorporating local knowledge to support effective policy and service delivery.
Supporting complementary national priorities
As Council-appointed delegate, Mayor Chris Cherry backed several complementary motions, particularly a number of motions aimed at addressing Australia’s housing pressures.
‘We were pleased to support practical, nationally coordinated approaches that make better use of existing housing and remove barriers to increasing supply,’ she said.
Cr Cherry backed Macquarie City Council’s motion to remove financial disincentives for older Australians seeking to downsize.
‘Helping people downsize more easily frees up larger homes for families while enabling older residents to stay connected to their communities — it’s a simple but important part of easing housing pressure.’
‘This includes Motion 161 – Downsizing incentives for older Australians, which calls for Federal leadership to reduce barriers such as stamp duty, moving costs and taxation impacts’.
Cr Cherry also supported Motion 184, submitted by Central Coast Council, which calls on the Australian Government to introduce incentives for retirees — with appropriate safeguards, including around capital gains tax and assessable income — to rent out unused rooms in their homes.
Mayor Cherry said she was proud to support the motion, which reflects long-standing advocacy from Tweed Shire.
‘I’m really proud to support this motion, it’s an issue we’ve been advocating for since 2014. It’s encouraging to see it gaining wider support nationally’.
‘If favourably considered by the Commonwealth, this reform could help ease cost of living pressures for pensioner homeowners here in the Tweed while also addressing the broader occupancy challenges we’re seeing across the country.
‘It has the potential to make better use of existing housing stock and contribute to meeting our housing targets in a practical and immediate way.’
In addition, the Mayor — as Council’s appointed delegate — supported Motion 138 from Northern Beaches and Newcastle related to reducing shark bites risks and promoting investment in technologies such as drone surveillance, tagging and non-lethal deterrents to improve public safety and protect marine ecosystems.
‘We are keen to back measures that keep our coastal communities safer and join with these Councils in calling for increased investment in modern, evidence-based approaches to reducing shark bite risks,’ Cr Cherry said.
Stronger national voice for local communities
The National General Assembly brings together councils from across Australia to advocate on issues of national importance.
Cr Cherry said the outcomes strengthen the case for coordinated Federal action.
‘Local government is on the frontline of delivering services and infrastructure for our communities. These outcomes help ensure our voice is heard and that national policy better reflects local realities,” she said.
“Tweed Shire Council will continue working with the Australian Government and sector partners to progress these priorities and deliver practical outcomes for our community’, she said.
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