THE Federal Government has announced that the Paterson electorate will benefit from a $2.1 billion pre-payment on next year’s Financial Assistance Grant to all councils across Australia.

Senator for New South Wales Jim Molan said this early payment will give every council in Paterson access to funds to help manage the cumulative impacts of the floods and COVID-19.

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“The funding will target councils’ top priorities and will ensure the needs of our local communities are met,” Senator Molan said.

“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.

This advance will see $5,507,409 paid into Port Stephens Council’s coffers.

Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister and Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan said pre-paying the Financial Assistance Grant means the Government is backing local councils when they need it most.

“The Government is committed to continuing its support to local governments, given their important role in delivering vital services and ensuring quality of life for Australian communities,” Mr Hogan said.

“These grants are untied in the hands of local government, allowing councils to spend the grants according to local priorities – a real shot in the arm for councils and local decision-making in these challenging times.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work of local officials – with support from our Government – in dealing with natural disasters and their aftermath at a community level.

“I have been in regular contact with mayors, councillors and other local government ministers to understand the realities on the ground, and to make sure we are all playing our part.

“A stable and effective local government sector is good for the nation and we will continue to do what is good for the nation through these crises.”

The Commonwealth has committed $2.8 billion in funding to local government in 2022–23, 75 percent being brought forward to be paid early to local governments for rebuilding after floods and the transition and planning of living with COVID-19.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer told News Of The Area, “The Financial Assistance Grant is an annual grant program provided under the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act of 1995.

“The grant funding provided to local Councils is untied, allowing Council to spend the funds according to local priorities.

“The grant is paid in quarterly instalments and the contribution to Port Stephens includes funds to support the delivery of the community infrastructure and the repair and rehabilitation of roads.

“These funds are included in the Councils budget and long term financial plan and have a significant impact on the ability for Council to deliver services for the local Port Stephens community,” he said.

By Marian SAMPSON