Mayor welcomes CHSP certainty, calls for funding review

Published on 24 August 2026

Mayor Robert Bell has welcomed the Federal Government's decision to retain the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) as a standalone program and extend funding certainty through to 30 June 2029, describing it as positive news for older residents and regional communities.

"This announcement provides much-needed certainty for councils that deliver vital aged care services and, most importantly, for the older people who rely on them to remain living independently in their own homes," Mayor Bell said.

"In Uralla Shire, Council's Community Care Service plays a critical role in helping older residents remain active, connected and living safely in their own homes through services including transport, social support and assistance with daily living."

Mayor Bell said the funding extension was particularly important for regional communities, where councils often play a critical role in filling service gaps and ensuring residents can continue to access support close to home.

"For many of our older residents, Uralla Community Care is more than a service provider; it is a lifeline that enables them to stay connected to their community, attend medical appointments and maintain their independence."

While welcoming the Federal Government's commitment, Mayor Bell said the announcement must also be accompanied by a review of existing funding arrangements.

"Our current CHSP funding levels do not align with the growing demand for services across Uralla Shire," Mayor Bell said.

"We are seeing increasing demand for community transport and other support services as our population ages, while at the same time facing rising costs associated with delivering those services across a dispersed rural area.

"The extension of the program provides an ideal opportunity for the Commonwealth to renegotiate funding agreements so they better reflect actual service demand, population needs and the higher costs of delivering aged care services in regional communities.

"Without funding that keeps pace with demand, councils like Uralla are increasingly being asked to do more with the same resources. That is simply not sustainable in the long term."

Mayor Bell said Council supported LGNSW's advocacy for the retention and modernisation of the CHSP and looked forward to working with the Federal Government to secure a sustainable and equitable funding model for regional communities.

"This is a welcome step forward, but more work is needed to ensure funding keeps pace with community needs and that older Australians living in regional areas continue to receive the quality services they deserve."