RENMARK Paringa Council is accompanied in its struggles. 
Neighbouring councils are also feeling the pinch, with Mid Murray Council also strongly advocating for more federal support.
Without an urgent increase in federal support, Renmark Paringa and other Riverland councils face the tough choice of either increasing rates, or cutting back on essential services. 
The South Australian Local Government Association has also called on the Federal Government to provide appropriate funding for local governments. 
LGA president, and Mitcham Mayor, Heather Holmes-Ross said South Australian councils collectively manage $28bn in community assets, yet the share of federal funding the sector receives has been cut in half over the years.
“That means local roads, parks, natural disaster preparedness and community infrastructure are all at risk,” she said.
“Our councils need fair funding to keep delivering the services people rely on every day
“We know every dollar invested locally goes further. When councils are properly funded, they are better placed to build stronger communities, create local jobs and make sure families, businesses and industries have the infrastructure and resources they need.
“Right now, South Australia is getting shortchanged – councils manage 75 percent of the roads in our state, yet the federal funding local government receives to support this significant upkeep doesn’t stack up when compared to other states.”
Dr Holmes-Ross said “we’re calling on our national leaders to back local, fund local, and help build a stronger future for South Australia”. 
“Our communities can’t afford more delays, more cuts, or more short-term thinking,” she said. 
“Our message is simple – invest in councils, and you invest in communities. If we want safer roads, better parks and playgrounds, more action on housing and stronger local economies, we need Canberra to step up.”