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Have your say

Councillor Connect - 15 May 2025 - Councillor Clair Mudaliar

I've learnt an enormous amount since joining Council, and I continue to learn every day...

Councillor Clair Mudaliar.

Authorised by Councillor Clair Mudaliar.

15 May 2025

I’ve learnt an enormous amount since joining Council, and I continue to learn every day. One thing I was aware of before being elected—but have come to understand far more deeply—is the dire state of local government across NSW. We are facing a true financial crisis.

This has become especially clear as we release our draft planning documents that will guide Council’s focus over the next four years—detailing what we aim to deliver and, critically, how we’ll fund it.

It’s crucial the community understands how local government is funded, the long-standing challenges we face, why these issues are worsening—not improving—and that we, as Councillors, along with the Executive Team and staff, are doing all we can to manage the situation responsibly.

Here are some key facts:

  • Widespread financial stress: The NSW Audit Office recently found that 35 councils met only one or none of the key financial sustainability benchmarks. Sixteen councils don’t have enough available cash to cover even three months of expenses, and 40% didn’t break even last financial year.
  • Roads burden: Councils are responsible for more than 80% of NSW’s 185,000 km road network, yet the backlog for urgent upgrades and repairs has now grown to $3.4 billion.
  • Federal underfunding: The Federal Assistance Grants, essential to council budgets, now account for just 0.51% of total Commonwealth tax revenue—down from 1% in 1996.
  • Cost shifting: In 2023, councils collectively absorbed $1.36 billion in costs that were previously the responsibility of the State Government—about $460 per ratepayer annually.

Council is being upfront about our financial situation, and our planning documents lay it out clearly. I encourage everyone to explore them—especially the Draft Long Term Financial Plan—on Council’s website via the Have Your Say page. You can also find details about our upcoming Community Meetings in Eden, Bega, Merimbula and Bermagui, and provide your feedback.

As your Councillors, we take the role of managing your assets and services very seriously—your input is vital as we work through these challenging times together. We will also continue to advocate strongly to other levels of government that meaningful reform is urgently needed.

I look forward to connecting with you and if there’s an issue in the shire that you’d like to discuss, please get in touch with me at CMudaliar@begavalley.nsw.gov.au

© Bega Valley Shire Council 2025

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