The facts say YESThe 2013 referendum to recognise local government

the facts say yes

The 2013 referendum to recognise local government

What’s it all about?

• On election day the Leeton Shire Council community will vote to secure direct Federal funding for vital projects in our area – like road black spot upgrades and other important infrastructure improvements.

• When our Constitution was written more than a century ago there was no mention of local government, but because of two recent High Court rulings there is now a threat to the way many local government projects are currently funded.

• Funding for important community facilities like roads, libraries, sports grounds, recycling stations, child care facilities, community centres and parks is under threat.

• A YES vote will secure direct Federal funding by making a small but necessary change to our Constitution.

What does that mean for Leeton Shire?

• Since 2000, Leeton Shire Council has received significant Federal funding.• This funding has gone towards:

• Whitton / Darlington Point Road (funded via Roads to Recovery which averages $463,000 funding to Council each year)

• Wilga Road• McQuillan Road• Bidgee Binge – Alcohol education for youth• Home and Community Care Services (Meals on Wheels, Community

Transport and Home Modifications Scheme)• The benefits of these projects have included:

• Increased quality of local roads throughout Leeton Shire• Access to services under the Home and Community Care banner• Increased awareness of the issues caused by binge drinking via

education process under the Bidgee Binge Program

• If this referendum is not successful projects like these will be under threat.

What’s at stake?

What’s at stake?

Why should Leeton Shire Council vote YES?

• A YES vote is a vote for keeping things as they currently are.

• A YES vote will preserve the sort of arrangements that for more than 10 years have funded projects like those you’ve just seen, and programs like Roads to Recovery, which has saved lives by fixing dangerous black spots on local roads.

• Voting YES simply ensures existing practice can continue – and that’s a good thing for the Leeton community.

Will it pass?

• Two similar votes have not passed previously, but this time there is an immediate and real risk to Federal funding for important local programs and bi-partisan support.

• A YES vote was supported by all but two members of the House of Representatives and an overwhelming majority of the Senate because it just makes sense

• A YES vote is supported by the majority of local councils across Australia

• Research shows that when people understand the FACTS behind the referendum they vote YES – because it just makes sense.

What happens if it doesn’t pass?

• Important local projects need Federal funding and voting YES is the only way to secure this. There is no other source to replace this funding.

• If the referendum doesn’t succeed then funding for things like Roads to Recovery, libraries, sports grounds, recycling stations, child care facilities, community centres and parks will be under threat.

• If the referendum doesn’t succeed Federal funding would have to go through three layers of government before it gets to the community – which means we won’t get our fair share or have as much say about how that money is spent.

Mythbusting

• There will be no change to the legal relationship between state and local governments.

• Local councils will still be accountable to State Governments, as they are now.

• The current system of consultation and checks and balances for every project will not change.

• The Federal Government will not be able to tell you what colour to paint your front door.

What’s happening locally?

A YES vote is a vote for Leeton community so we will be supporting the YES campaign by:

• Participating in an exciting national launch event

• Communicating with members of the local community, both directly and through our local media

• Talking about the great projects we all enjoy that have come about through direct Federal funding

• Mobilising on the ground support from council and community members

• Rallying volunteer resources for polling booths

What can you do to help?

• We need as much support as possible to get the facts out so the Leeton community can make an informed YES vote

• Talk to your friends and family about this important issues

• Get active online: search ‘the facts say yes’

• Volunteer to hand out information on polling day

• Contact Duncan McWhirter for more information

• When people understand the FACTS behind the referendum they vote YES – because it just makes sense.