REGIONAL councils say they have taken an important step in strengthening partnerships with the Victorian Government.
Murray River Group of Councils have met with Local Government Minister Nick Staikos, pushing key regional priorities that include water, housing, roads, and energy.
The group also raised a number of other challenges the councils are facing with the new emergency services volunteer fund tax and welcomed discussions about regional and rural local government financial sustainability.
Group chair Dan Straub, the Mayor of Loddon Shire, said: “It was a great opportunity to engage directly with the minister and share the group’s key priorities and explore ways to partner for stronger outcomes for our communities.”
The Victorian Cross Border Commissioner Brett Davis also presented to the meeting and engaged in a positive discussion about the unique challenges our cross border towns and communities face and how the group can work with the commissioner to tackle them.
The meeting also discussed shared opportunities for investment, funding support and stronger collaboration between local and State Government, while it started with a tour of the new library and community facilities under construction in Yarrawonga.
“Governments deliver best for our communities when Local and State Government are working in partnership, not against each other” said Cr Straub
“We value our relationship with the Minister for Local Government and the broader Victorian Government and look forward to ongoing collaboration.
“We will also be heading to the National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra next week, where we will continue making our case to federal ministers and senior bureaucrats in Canberra.”
The Murray River Group of Councils is a local government advocacy group comprising the Mayors and CEOs of Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Loddon, Campaspe and Moira councils. The chair’s position rotates around members each 12 months.