Latest news with #WasteLevy
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Councils at 'breaking point' as cost-shifting crunch hits ratepayer funds
LOCAL Government NSW claims councils are at "breaking point" as a result of "relentless" cost-shifting, rate capping and "inadequate" state and federal government funding. A new report commissioned by the organisation reveals councils across the state are absorbing a staggering $1.5 billion from both tiers of government each year. A City of Newcastle spokesman said cost-shifting is one of the most significant challenges facing the local government sector. "The issue is neither new nor the impacts unknown to the NSW government," he said. "Cost-shifting has a major impact on City of Newcastle's ability to deliver everyday services to our community. "It reduces our ability to fund essential infrastructure projects and forces us to increase rates and fees to cover services that are imposed by the NSW government." The council spokesman said a November 2024 Parliamentary Inquiry report into the ability of councils to fund infrastructure and services recognised the impact of cost-shifting and called on the state government to identify opportunities to reduce it. Lake Macquarie City Council estimates that cost-shifting costs it almost $40 million a year. Cost-shifting happens when one level of government hands the responsibility for a service, asset or function to another level of government without providing funding to cover the costs. Among Local Government NSW's (LGNSW) cost-shifting gripes are the state government's Waste Levy and Emergency Services Levy, as well as what they call a "huge shortfall" in library funding. Lake Macquarie council spends $16.3 million on both levies, while City of Newcastle forked out $38 million on the waste levy in 2024/25 and a further $4.9 million as part of the Emergency Services Levy. "City of Newcastle is the only council in NSW that is a net contributor to the NSW and Commonwealth governments, paying more in taxes and levies than it receives in state and federal grants," a Newcastle council spokesman said. "The unrelenting growth of cost-shifting erodes the important work councils do to maintain financial sustainability, and risks the capacity of councils to deliver the essential infrastructure and services required by their communities." NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig declined to comment. The Cost-Shifting 2025: How State Costs Eat Council Rates report shows the $1.5 billion burden on councils is an increase of about $140 million, or 10 per cent, since the last report for the 2021/22 financial year. A Lake Macquarie council spokesman said the main impact of cost-shifting is that it limits the council's options on where its money is spent. "We would prefer to spend these funds where community consultation has shown our constituents have greater needs," he said. "We believe any reform should ensure the approach is administratively efficient, and resources are not wasted in the cascading effect of multiple funding flows between various government entities. "Additionally, we need longer-term certainty on funding to allow appropriate planning that ensures taxpayer and ratepayer funds are used in the best way possible." On average, LGNSW president mayor Phyllis Miller said nearly $500 per ratepayer in NSW is being diverted away from essential local priorities like roads, libraries, sporting facilities and community programs. "These are services our communities need, want and deserve, and they're being severely compromised by councils needing to pick up the bill on behalf of the state," she said. "Councils are having to foot the bill for state and federal functions and services that they didn't design and aren't funded to deliver." Ms Miller has called on the state government to commit to genuine reform, including regulatory changes, proper budget support, and fair funding. The LGNSW report is based on a survey of councils in which 64 out of 128 responded. LOCAL Government NSW claims councils are at "breaking point" as a result of "relentless" cost-shifting, rate capping and "inadequate" state and federal government funding. A new report commissioned by the organisation reveals councils across the state are absorbing a staggering $1.5 billion from both tiers of government each year. A City of Newcastle spokesman said cost-shifting is one of the most significant challenges facing the local government sector. "The issue is neither new nor the impacts unknown to the NSW government," he said. "Cost-shifting has a major impact on City of Newcastle's ability to deliver everyday services to our community. "It reduces our ability to fund essential infrastructure projects and forces us to increase rates and fees to cover services that are imposed by the NSW government." The council spokesman said a November 2024 Parliamentary Inquiry report into the ability of councils to fund infrastructure and services recognised the impact of cost-shifting and called on the state government to identify opportunities to reduce it. Lake Macquarie City Council estimates that cost-shifting costs it almost $40 million a year. Cost-shifting happens when one level of government hands the responsibility for a service, asset or function to another level of government without providing funding to cover the costs. Among Local Government NSW's (LGNSW) cost-shifting gripes are the state government's Waste Levy and Emergency Services Levy, as well as what they call a "huge shortfall" in library funding. Lake Macquarie council spends $16.3 million on both levies, while City of Newcastle forked out $38 million on the waste levy in 2024/25 and a further $4.9 million as part of the Emergency Services Levy. "City of Newcastle is the only council in NSW that is a net contributor to the NSW and Commonwealth governments, paying more in taxes and levies than it receives in state and federal grants," a Newcastle council spokesman said. "The unrelenting growth of cost-shifting erodes the important work councils do to maintain financial sustainability, and risks the capacity of councils to deliver the essential infrastructure and services required by their communities." NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig declined to comment. The Cost-Shifting 2025: How State Costs Eat Council Rates report shows the $1.5 billion burden on councils is an increase of about $140 million, or 10 per cent, since the last report for the 2021/22 financial year. A Lake Macquarie council spokesman said the main impact of cost-shifting is that it limits the council's options on where its money is spent. "We would prefer to spend these funds where community consultation has shown our constituents have greater needs," he said. "We believe any reform should ensure the approach is administratively efficient, and resources are not wasted in the cascading effect of multiple funding flows between various government entities. "Additionally, we need longer-term certainty on funding to allow appropriate planning that ensures taxpayer and ratepayer funds are used in the best way possible." On average, LGNSW president mayor Phyllis Miller said nearly $500 per ratepayer in NSW is being diverted away from essential local priorities like roads, libraries, sporting facilities and community programs. "These are services our communities need, want and deserve, and they're being severely compromised by councils needing to pick up the bill on behalf of the state," she said. "Councils are having to foot the bill for state and federal functions and services that they didn't design and aren't funded to deliver." Ms Miller has called on the state government to commit to genuine reform, including regulatory changes, proper budget support, and fair funding. The LGNSW report is based on a survey of councils in which 64 out of 128 responded. LOCAL Government NSW claims councils are at "breaking point" as a result of "relentless" cost-shifting, rate capping and "inadequate" state and federal government funding. A new report commissioned by the organisation reveals councils across the state are absorbing a staggering $1.5 billion from both tiers of government each year. A City of Newcastle spokesman said cost-shifting is one of the most significant challenges facing the local government sector. "The issue is neither new nor the impacts unknown to the NSW government," he said. "Cost-shifting has a major impact on City of Newcastle's ability to deliver everyday services to our community. "It reduces our ability to fund essential infrastructure projects and forces us to increase rates and fees to cover services that are imposed by the NSW government." The council spokesman said a November 2024 Parliamentary Inquiry report into the ability of councils to fund infrastructure and services recognised the impact of cost-shifting and called on the state government to identify opportunities to reduce it. Lake Macquarie City Council estimates that cost-shifting costs it almost $40 million a year. Cost-shifting happens when one level of government hands the responsibility for a service, asset or function to another level of government without providing funding to cover the costs. Among Local Government NSW's (LGNSW) cost-shifting gripes are the state government's Waste Levy and Emergency Services Levy, as well as what they call a "huge shortfall" in library funding. Lake Macquarie council spends $16.3 million on both levies, while City of Newcastle forked out $38 million on the waste levy in 2024/25 and a further $4.9 million as part of the Emergency Services Levy. "City of Newcastle is the only council in NSW that is a net contributor to the NSW and Commonwealth governments, paying more in taxes and levies than it receives in state and federal grants," a Newcastle council spokesman said. "The unrelenting growth of cost-shifting erodes the important work councils do to maintain financial sustainability, and risks the capacity of councils to deliver the essential infrastructure and services required by their communities." NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig declined to comment. The Cost-Shifting 2025: How State Costs Eat Council Rates report shows the $1.5 billion burden on councils is an increase of about $140 million, or 10 per cent, since the last report for the 2021/22 financial year. A Lake Macquarie council spokesman said the main impact of cost-shifting is that it limits the council's options on where its money is spent. "We would prefer to spend these funds where community consultation has shown our constituents have greater needs," he said. "We believe any reform should ensure the approach is administratively efficient, and resources are not wasted in the cascading effect of multiple funding flows between various government entities. "Additionally, we need longer-term certainty on funding to allow appropriate planning that ensures taxpayer and ratepayer funds are used in the best way possible." On average, LGNSW president mayor Phyllis Miller said nearly $500 per ratepayer in NSW is being diverted away from essential local priorities like roads, libraries, sporting facilities and community programs. "These are services our communities need, want and deserve, and they're being severely compromised by councils needing to pick up the bill on behalf of the state," she said. "Councils are having to foot the bill for state and federal functions and services that they didn't design and aren't funded to deliver." Ms Miller has called on the state government to commit to genuine reform, including regulatory changes, proper budget support, and fair funding. The LGNSW report is based on a survey of councils in which 64 out of 128 responded. LOCAL Government NSW claims councils are at "breaking point" as a result of "relentless" cost-shifting, rate capping and "inadequate" state and federal government funding. A new report commissioned by the organisation reveals councils across the state are absorbing a staggering $1.5 billion from both tiers of government each year. A City of Newcastle spokesman said cost-shifting is one of the most significant challenges facing the local government sector. "The issue is neither new nor the impacts unknown to the NSW government," he said. "Cost-shifting has a major impact on City of Newcastle's ability to deliver everyday services to our community. "It reduces our ability to fund essential infrastructure projects and forces us to increase rates and fees to cover services that are imposed by the NSW government." The council spokesman said a November 2024 Parliamentary Inquiry report into the ability of councils to fund infrastructure and services recognised the impact of cost-shifting and called on the state government to identify opportunities to reduce it. Lake Macquarie City Council estimates that cost-shifting costs it almost $40 million a year. Cost-shifting happens when one level of government hands the responsibility for a service, asset or function to another level of government without providing funding to cover the costs. Among Local Government NSW's (LGNSW) cost-shifting gripes are the state government's Waste Levy and Emergency Services Levy, as well as what they call a "huge shortfall" in library funding. Lake Macquarie council spends $16.3 million on both levies, while City of Newcastle forked out $38 million on the waste levy in 2024/25 and a further $4.9 million as part of the Emergency Services Levy. "City of Newcastle is the only council in NSW that is a net contributor to the NSW and Commonwealth governments, paying more in taxes and levies than it receives in state and federal grants," a Newcastle council spokesman said. "The unrelenting growth of cost-shifting erodes the important work councils do to maintain financial sustainability, and risks the capacity of councils to deliver the essential infrastructure and services required by their communities." NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig declined to comment. The Cost-Shifting 2025: How State Costs Eat Council Rates report shows the $1.5 billion burden on councils is an increase of about $140 million, or 10 per cent, since the last report for the 2021/22 financial year. A Lake Macquarie council spokesman said the main impact of cost-shifting is that it limits the council's options on where its money is spent. "We would prefer to spend these funds where community consultation has shown our constituents have greater needs," he said. "We believe any reform should ensure the approach is administratively efficient, and resources are not wasted in the cascading effect of multiple funding flows between various government entities. "Additionally, we need longer-term certainty on funding to allow appropriate planning that ensures taxpayer and ratepayer funds are used in the best way possible." On average, LGNSW president mayor Phyllis Miller said nearly $500 per ratepayer in NSW is being diverted away from essential local priorities like roads, libraries, sporting facilities and community programs. "These are services our communities need, want and deserve, and they're being severely compromised by councils needing to pick up the bill on behalf of the state," she said. "Councils are having to foot the bill for state and federal functions and services that they didn't design and aren't funded to deliver." Ms Miller has called on the state government to commit to genuine reform, including regulatory changes, proper budget support, and fair funding. The LGNSW report is based on a survey of councils in which 64 out of 128 responded.
Otago Daily Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Amendments discussed
Changes are coming for the way the country handles waste, but will the potential changes leave smaller councils in a tough spot? Central government is asking councils for feedback regarding proposed amendments to the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and the Litter Act 1979. These amendments would cover changes to the way the water levy is allocated to territorial authorities and what they can spend money on, clarification of roles, improved tools for compliance and other controls for littering and other waste. WasteNet Southland, a joint initiative between Southland District Council, Gore District Council and Invercargill City Council, compiled a list of submissions put forth to the Gore assets and infrastructure meeting last night. The submission was noted as generally supportive of the proposed amendments. However, it asked for a few changes — for example, an adjustment of the method of allocation in funds for the Waste Levy, to account for and reduce discrepancy between councils. Cr Hovell put his hand up in support, stating traditionally the 50% the government had taken, it had put back in to the waste sector. Discussion between councillors ensued. Cr Hovell explained the 50% was similar to recycling schemes, where businesses could apply for funds when applicable due to the minimisation of waste. Cr Hovell also mentioned the importance of a local voice being heard in Wellington, and said there was a distinct way Southland did things. "I think it's important to reinforce to government we do things slightly different here and that needs to be recognised," he said. Cr Fraser seconded this, and said it was important to be vocal despite being a minority compared to larger councils. "When you're fighting numbers, we need to be quite the best we can be," he said. Cr Phillips put a recommendation WasteNet speak to its submissions, which was seconded by Cr Fraser, and the call to approve the submission was carried unanimously.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Waste Fees And Charges Consultation Opens Monday
Marlburians are encouraged to have their say on Council's Waste Fees and Charges consultation from Monday 26 May. Acting Mayor David Croad said dealing with the cost of Marlborough's waste was a challenging part of Council's core business. 'Almost half of the increase we are proposing is related to Government requirements that are outside of Council's control. We are also working hard to prolong the life of the Bluegums landfill including to reduce the volume of waste going into it. At the same time, we need to plan for the day when the landfill ultimately closes and the ongoing costs associated with that,' he said. 'We do not wish to see additional price increases at this time, but the disposal of waste is not free and whatever we can do to reduce, reuse and recycle is to all our collective benefit.' Waste costs are covered via a user pays system at the Bluegums landfill and the Blenheim Transfer Station with the other transfer stations around Marlborough funded through a mixture of user pays and rates. The proposed increase from 1 September 2025 at Bluegums landfill is 17.82% for all waste types except grass clippings and green waste. It is also proposed to increase all charges at the region's transfer stations by an average of 17.82%. 'In real terms, the proposed changes equate to an extra $5.92 for the average load of general waste to the Blenheim transfer station, an increase of $2.43 for an average load of green waste and grass clippings will not increase at all,' Acting Mayor Croad said. Whiteware and E-Waste prices will remain the same for the next 12 months. The proposed charges will cover legislative requirements including an increase in the Waste Levy, a change in the method of calculating the Unique Emissions Factor and an increase in the cost of carbon credits to offset the landfill's greenhouse gas emissions. The balance is made up of increases in landfill aftercare and reserve provisions including operational and capital costs, and post closure expenses. Solid Waste Manager Mark Lucas said comparisons with other local authorities in the South Island showed Marlborough had the third lowest overall cost for waste disposal. 'The charges set at the Bluegums landfill have a flow on effect for all other waste streams in Marlborough and are based on a user-pays model designed to cover the costs associated with this service. The more waste that can be diverted from landfill, the easier it will be on everyone's pockets. 'By embracing reuse and recycling, the community not only avoids immediate disposal fees for reusable items but also contributes to a more financially sustainable waste system that protects everyone from the fee increases that inevitably accompany landfill capacity constraints,' Mr Lucas said. Council has budgeted $22M for the 2025/26 year to cover the costs of Marlborough's waste services. The consultation closes on 6 June 2025. Submissions will be considered by full Council on 26 June.
Scoop
02-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Funding Available For New Projects To Reduce Waste In Tauranga
Press Release – Tauranga City Council With grants of up to $25,000 available from a total pool of $100,000, individuals, community groups, businesses, iwi/Mori organisations, and educational providers are encouraged to submit applications for waste minimisation projects by Friday 13 … Tauranga City Council is pleased to announce applications are open for its annual Resource Wise Community Fund, supporting local initiatives aimed at reducing waste to landfill. With grants of up to $25,000 available from a total pool of $100,000, individuals, community groups, businesses, iwi/Māori organisations, and educational providers are encouraged to submit applications for waste minimisation projects by Friday 13 June. Building on the success of previous years, which saw impressive contributions from a range of recipients including Bin Inn Papamoa, A&J Demolition, Confidential Document Destruction, Emroce, Sustainability Options, Envirohub, AgainAgain events, Good Neighbour, Pacific Coast Village, and the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, the Resource Wise Community Fund continues to champion innovative solutions to reduce landfill waste. Daniel Smith, Manager of Sustainability and Waste at Tauranga City Council, emphasised the importance of community-led waste reduction initiatives. 'We can all contribute towards reducing waste and its impact on our communities. Our fund is intended to help bring innovative ideas to life by removing monetary barriers for organisations and businesses keen to reduce waste in Tauranga.' Aligned with the Waste Management Minimisation Plan 2022 – 2028, the 2025 Resource Wise Community Fund aims to support projects that reduce material consumption, promote reuse and repair, prevent food waste, and identify opportunities to transition to a circular economy. Grants range from $2,000 to $25,000 from a pool of $100,000. The fund is sourced from the Waste Levy, provided to councils by the Ministry for the Environment for waste minimisation education, and does not impose additional costs on general rates. Projects funded by the Resource Wise Community Fund must meet specific criteria outlined on the Tauranga City Council website. Interested applicants can access the online application form, guidelines, and funding criteria at
Scoop
02-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Funding Available For New Projects To Reduce Waste In Tauranga
Press Release – Tauranga City Council With grants of up to $25,000 available from a total pool of $100,000, individuals, community groups, businesses, iwi/Mori organisations, and educational providers are encouraged to submit applications for waste minimisation projects by Friday 13 … Tauranga City Council is pleased to announce applications are open for its annual Resource Wise Community Fund, supporting local initiatives aimed at reducing waste to landfill. With grants of up to $25,000 available from a total pool of $100,000, individuals, community groups, businesses, iwi/Māori organisations, and educational providers are encouraged to submit applications for waste minimisation projects by Friday 13 June. Building on the success of previous years, which saw impressive contributions from a range of recipients including Bin Inn Papamoa, A&J Demolition, Confidential Document Destruction, Emroce, Sustainability Options, Envirohub, AgainAgain events, Good Neighbour, Pacific Coast Village, and the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, the Resource Wise Community Fund continues to champion innovative solutions to reduce landfill waste. Daniel Smith, Manager of Sustainability and Waste at Tauranga City Council, emphasised the importance of community-led waste reduction initiatives. 'We can all contribute towards reducing waste and its impact on our communities. Our fund is intended to help bring innovative ideas to life by removing monetary barriers for organisations and businesses keen to reduce waste in Tauranga.' Aligned with the Waste Management Minimisation Plan 2022 – 2028, the 2025 Resource Wise Community Fund aims to support projects that reduce material consumption, promote reuse and repair, prevent food waste, and identify opportunities to transition to a circular economy. Grants range from $2,000 to $25,000 from a pool of $100,000. The fund is sourced from the Waste Levy, provided to councils by the Ministry for the Environment for waste minimisation education, and does not impose additional costs on general rates. Projects funded by the Resource Wise Community Fund must meet specific criteria outlined on the Tauranga City Council website. Interested applicants can access the online application form, guidelines, and funding criteria at
