DURING Senator James McGrath's recent visit to the Maranoa, councillors took the opportunity to discuss the need for increases to the federal assistance grants that help council deliver important services to the region each year.

Portfolio chair for economic development and advocacy Cr Cameron O'Neil said, with the Maranoa having a relatively small population and therefore a small rate base, council each year faced the real challenge of funding the needs of a road network over 5000kms in length, the third largest in Queensland.

"We need the Australian Government now, more than ever, to commit to long term and increased funding if we are to meet the standards our communities need in terms of road maintenance,” Cr O'Neil said.

"The Local Government Association of Queensland is currently advocating for an increase of funding to local governments of a fixed one percent share of Commonwealth taxation revenue to enable long term financial planning and certainty and I think this has real merit,” he said.

Portfolio chair for rural roads Cr Janelle Stanford reinforced the need for increased funding for the region's large road network and for rural producers and small business owners who rely on it for access to and from their business.

"This need is also for our families who traverse our roads each and every day to transport kids to and from school, and for the bus pickups and drop offs,” Cr Stanford said.

Deputy Mayor Jan Chambers was appreciative of Senator McGrath taking the time to meet with council and discuss topical and forefront issues that are important to the Maranoa residents and communities.

"It is imperative that we meet with our federal and state politicians on a regular basis so as to fight for Maranoa's fair share of funding,” Cr Chambers said.

"Senator McGrath is a true friend of the Maranoa and we welcome any future opportunity to advocate for our region,” she said.