Singleton Council will miss out on approximately $1.5 million in additional funding each year, while Upper Hunter Shire Council say they’ll be $1.9 million worse off. It comes after the NSW Local Government Grants Commission decided not to implement a proposed revised Financial Assistance Grants methodology.
Singleton Mayor Sue Moore is the latest to join neighbouring councils Maitland, Cessnock, Dungog and Upper Hunter in voicing disappointment with the outcome. She said it leaves them facing increasing funding pressures with no opportunity for additional assistance.
“The review highlighted the existing disparity between large and small councils, and yet this decision means smaller councils like ours are left struggling in an environment of increasing costs and pressure to deliver the facilities and services our communities deserve,” Cr Moore said.
“The revised methodology would have levelled the playing field to provide a fairer and more equitable distribution of funds.”
Based on 2025-26 figures, it would have provided approximately $7 million, compared with approximately $5.5 million under the existing model. Upper Hunter Shire say their 2027-28 allocation would have risen from about $7.3 million to $9.2 million.
Sue Moore said retaining the existing system sent a message to smaller councils that the growing funding gap was not only acceptable but would continue to be enforced.
“An additional $1.5 million would have been a significant injection to Council’s ability to deliver the essential services our community expects and deserves,” she said.
Upper Hunter Mayor Pat Ryan shared similar frustrations.
“Our communities help produce the food and support the industries that the wider state relies on. We deserve a funding system that recognises the infrastructure making that possible,” said Cr Ryan.
Upper Hunter Council’s responsibilities also include water and sewerage services, saleyards, an airport, childcare and subsidised housing for medical practitioners.
