The annual Local Government Subsidy (LGS) is part of the recurrent subsidy arrangements provided to local governments (including Indigenous councils). This subsidy is to assist with the administrative and operational cost associated with the operation of active State Emergency Service (SES) units and groups undertaking authorised SES activities.

The subsidy provides funding for: 

• administration costs (e.g. postage, telephone, printing, advertising, displays, membership drives, public relations) and other legitimate expenses incurred in administering the local unit and groups 
• training expenses including: 
  • preparation of training aids and facilities 
  • catering for day training activities 
  • provision of petrol for SES members’ private vehicles where these vehicles are used for transporting training stores and equipment required for training activities and; 
  • approved modification of SES equipment, stores and facilities. 
• provision of operational resources (such as maps, charts, clocks, stationery, etc) 
• minor maintenance in servicing SES equipment and stores. 

The subsidy is not provided for disaster relief funds, attendance fees to other local government activities or for the expenses incurred during operational activity.

• Annual subsidies are processed during September - November each year.
• Annual subsidy payments are made retrospectively [i.e. payment received in 2022-23 is the subsidy payment for previous financial year (2021-22)].
• The local government determines the management and administration of this subsidy.
• It is recommended the SES Local Controller is included in determining these arrangements.

Reference: SES BMF 7.0

For further information please contact SES.Grants@qfes.qld.gov.au