Council stepping up and speaking out

19 September 2018 - Media release

Campaspe Shire’s councillors are stepping up and speaking out on issues that matter to the local community by adopting an updated four year advocacy priorities document.

Mayor Cr Adrian Weston said advocacy, or lobbying, is an important role of local government and is outlined in the Victorian Local Government Act as one of the key functions of councils.

“The document entitled ‘Advocacy Priorities 2018 – 2021’ asks government for funding and support to enable council to progress important local projects and continue to deliver high quality services to the community,” Cr Weston said.

The main campaigns council is asking for support on include:

Events precinct project, stretching from Echuca’s historic wharf to the Aquatic Reserve Development of the Murchison to Heathcote Trail and Murray River Adventure Trail Revitalisation and activation of the Echuca Station Precinct The construction of service roads for business growth on Echuca’s highway commercial precinct Improving and upgrading Echuca’s Victoria Park and Echuca East Recreation Reserve

Other priorities include:

Gargarro Botanic Gardens funding Funding for local school improvements including Kyabram P-12 and Echuca Specialist School Kindergarten ‘Universal Access’ funding and site co-location Funding for roads and bridges Water policy for agriculture Telecommunications infrastructure Cross-border administration

 “The main campaigns and priorities were identified through detailed consultations with councillors, managers and other council staff, along with a review on the effectiveness of council’s previous 2016 – 2018 advocacy document,” the Mayor added.

“Council’s previous document was the first time the organisation formally outlined the advocacy priorities for the region and it was instrumental for gaining government support of Echuca Moama’s second river crossing, rollout of the NBN and the implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan.”

“Success was also achieved in lobbying for local kindergarten funding, roadside weed control, management of fruit fly and speaking up against the ‘backpacker tax’ which affects local agricultural producers.”

“The 2018 – 2021 document has been streamlined from the former version to ensure that the focus remains on the region’s highest priority issues.”

The next steps will include the development of a detailed action plan to guide council in the specific tasks required to achieve successful results.

The Advocacy Priorities 2018 – 2021 document is available on council’s website.