The Darling Downs and South West Queensland Council of Mayors has agreed to support the Local Government Association of Queensland campaign for one per cent of total Commonwealth taxation revenue to be directed for Financial Assistance Grants for Local Government.
DDSWQ Chair Cr Paul Antonio, and mayor of the Toowoomba Regional Council, said some the fundamental challenges of South West Queensland was the financial sustainability of local government.
"Local government raises just 3pc of all taxation revenue in Australia but manages around 33pc of the public assets, Cr Antonio said.
"It is imperative that there is a long-term sustainable distribution of taxation revenues between the levels of government that reflect the responsibilities of Councils.
"The work that all councils perform across their communities justifies state and federal government support," said Cr Antonio,.
"Local government has gone about as hard as it can in terms of funding its services through rate income alone. Ratepayers should not have to totally fund items such as the provision of essential infrastructure.
"The LGAQ is the start of a serious conversation around a workable, non-competitive funding model that will guarantee that councils can build parks, roads, sewers and storm water infrastructure.
"There are high expectations on local government service delivery and we need another guaranteed funding stream to ensure we meet this demand.
"Local Government's share of taxation revenue from the Commonwealth Government has been declining over recent years so that Financial Assistance Grants are now approximately 0.55% of taxation revenue.
"Last year at its meeting in Charleville, DDSWQ supported a call for all levels of government to finalise a more workable funding model to allow local government to continue its extensive programs with certainty.
"The LGAQ's campaign is a real opportunity for the Commonwealth Government to return money to local communities faster
"We are the community builders and are in the best position to plan and understand our respective communities' needs."
DDSWQ meeting in Dalby covered a broad agenda with discussion around regional development, health, transport, tourism, water and waste.