Georges River faces $857,063 grant shortfall under proposed NSW formula

Georges River Council faces an estimated $857,063 reduction in Financial Assistance Grant funding under proposed changes to the NSW allocation formula, including an $825,467 cut to its Local Roads component. Councillors unanimously opposed the methodology and authorised a submission to the NSW Local Government Grants Commission.

The projected Local Roads reduction is 54.7 per cent compared with the council’s 2025/26 Financial Assistance Grant allocation. Council said the proposed formula did not adequately reflect the needs and cost pressures of metropolitan, regional and remote councils.

Its submission will call for a fair, transparent and evidence-based methodology. Council also wants the Local Roads calculation to consider population served, population density, road use, traffic volumes, asset condition and demonstrated renewal needs, alongside road length and regional construction costs.

Councillors also called for transitional arrangements to prevent significant and sudden funding reductions for individual councils.

The proposed reduction would put pressure on Georges River’s capacity to fund local roads and other services. The resolution did not identify any road projects for cancellation or delay, and did not specify when the proposed methodology would take effect.

The General Manager was authorised to make a submission reflecting Council’s position and advocate to the NSW and Australian governments and relevant local members of parliament.

The funding dispute sits alongside other transport commitments in the Georges River local government area. Council has endorsed detailed design for a proposed speed hump, kerb blisters, signage and related safety improvements on Hurstville Road west of Ada Street in Oatley, subject to funding. It has also directed further investigation of a possible roundabout at Park Road, Wyee Street and Bayview Street, and possible right-turn restrictions at Ramsgate Road and Park Road. Those projects remain subject to funding, investigation or consultation.