General News
20 February, 2024
Editorial: Passing the buck an unfortunate outcome
WHEN Telstra last week said local government could be a funding partner in building better communications and connectivity in the Loddon Shire, Mayor Gavan Holt was spot on with his reply that council should “stick to the knitting”. He, of...
WHEN Telstra last week said local government could be a funding partner in building better communications and connectivity in the Loddon Shire, Mayor Gavan Holt was spot on with his reply that council should “stick to the knitting”.
He, of course, was referring to provision and delivery the essential services that are within the remit of local government.
Telstra’s response showed that cost-shifting from governments onto local councils is growing. Why? Is it because governments are fritting taxpayer dollars away on every social engineering and conscience-cleansing conviction at the expense of the basic, indeed bare, necessities?
It was a cheap bid by Telstra to imply, suggest or anything else that councils foot the bill for phone towers at the expense of roads and other key community infrastructure.
Whether Telstra and the Government are comfortable or not, telecommunications is a federal responsibility. We share the hope of many Loddon residents that local MP Anne Webster will step up as a fierce and passionate advocate for improved phone and internet connections. It is irrelevant her party is not in government at the moment.
And while we’re talking about cost shifting - let’s not forget the switching arena in the blame game. Criticism of Loddon Shire Council over displaying goods on footpaths must be tempered with fact that council is only ensuring enforcement of a Federal Government decision. Like so much legislation in a superior jurisdiction, those higher up make the decisions and leave the locals to cop the blame and brunt of displeasure.