G21 Councils collaborate on funding application for Rural Councils Transformation Program
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Following a successful Expression of Interest submitted to the State Government in October 2018 by G21 Councils, Council resolved to move forward with the Rural Councils Transformation Program (RCTP) Business Case Submission at its ordinary meeting on Thursday 28 March 2019.
The RCTP is a Victorian Government initiative that aims to support Councils in finding solutions to their significant financial challenges. The grant application is seeking up to $5m funding from the State Government and is a joint submission from G21 Councils (comprising of Surf Coast Shire, City of Greater Geelong, Colac-Otway Shire, Golden Plains Shire Council and the Borough of Queenscliffe).
Borough of Queenscliffe Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Phillip Carruthers said the key purpose of the RCTP is to increase operating efficiencies and provide better service to the community.
“The RCTP encourages collaboration, sharing and working in partnerships and is an extension of what we are currently doing. What is being proposed is a common approach and framework to asset management system and practices, capital works program delivery, strategic procurement and regional staff sharing, with the common goal of building capability and sharing delivery”, said Mr Carruthers.
Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor, Cr Bob Merriman said as a small municipality, at times the Borough of Queenscliffe experiences financial challenges.
“Whilst we have done well so far to offset rate-capping, Council requires ongoing savings, particularly over the next five to ten years. We already work closely with other G21 Councils, and through the implementation of the RCTP this would increasingly be the case”, said Cr Merriman.
The State Government will make a decision on the RCTP grant application by 30 June 2019. Should it be successful, the project implementation will be rolled out over a three year period.
For further information regarding the RCTP please contact the Borough of Queenscliffe on 5258 1377.