Council delegation returns from Canberra mission
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Published on 15 July 2024
Mayor Kate Makin, Deputy Mayor Laurie Hickey, Councillor Geraldine Conheady and CEO David Rae attended the National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra from Tuesday 2 until Friday 5 July.
Representatives from 537 councils gathered at the National Convention Centre.
The theme of the assembly was ‘Building Community Trust’ and attendees heard from a range of high-profile speakers about building the relationships between the community and the different levels of Government.
“Most importantly, the conference was a chance to meet and network with key senior Federal Government politicians and other Councils,” Mayor Makin said.
“We got face-to-face with various ministers to drive home what is important to our community in Corangamite: issues like childcare, housing, renewable energy projects and, of course, roads.
“Speaking to other Councillors from all over the country also showed we share a lot of the same issues.
“Regional Australia is calling out for infrastructure investment and renewal which is what we need to make sure business and the economy are sustainable which, in turn, secures the wellbeing of our residents and communities.
“Some of the other issues, like childcare and Council being able to champion our communities’ concerns about major energy projects still need to be addressed and we made sure to put our case strongly to members from both sides of Parliament.”
The Corangamite delegation had one-on-one meetings with:
Minister for Local Government Minister for Regional Development Kristy McBain Deputy Government Whip in the Senate Senator Raff Ciccone Member for Wannon and Shadow Minister for Immigration and for Citizenship Dan Tehan Advisor to Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education, and for Youth Angie Bell Shadow Minister for Local Government and for Regional Development Darren Chester Senior Advisors for Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland and Advisor to Minister for Early Childhood Education, and for Youth Anne Aly