Council advocates for state and federal government support

Hepburn Shire Council is advocating for additional support for regional local government at two key events today. 

The Greater Ballarat Alliance of Councils (GBAC) quarterly meeting took place today in Daylesford where mayors and CEOs agreed on regional priorities that will require federal government support and action. 

Council leaders advocated for an equitable share of government funding to ensure residents have access to adequate infrastructure and services. 

Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that regional councils need a commitment from government to improve access to housing, major transport networks, digital infrastructure and adequate funding to ensure the financial and communal success of our region. 

“The meeting was a good opportunity to come together to align interests and put forward a united voice. We need the Federal Government to further support regional councils to ensure their financial viability and community growth. It is critical that federal leadership commits to empowering local governments for the betterment of all Australians,” said Cr Henderson. 

“The time to act is now—with a federal election around the corner, adequate federal support for our region is long overdue. All parties in the election need to commit to supporting local government,” he said. 

In addition, Council’s Mayor, a number of Councillors and the Chief Executive Officer met with the newly appointed State Minister for Local Government, Nick Staikos, and local MP Mary-Anne Thomas today to discuss the current opportunities and challenges facing the Shire. 

The Future Hepburn project, a once-in-a-generation program of major projects, was discussed and how it intersects with the new ‘Plan for Victoria’ released by the Victorian Government. We are committed to protecting the region’s rural lifestyle while planning for future growth and meeting targets set by the State Government. 

“Meeting directly with the Minister and Mary-Anne Thomas MP, gave us the opportunity to be upfront about the issues facing the Shire,” said Cr Henderson. 

Other topics discussed included the new waste service guidelines, the emergency services and volunteers fund, our Financial Vision and other community-related issues.  

Council will continue to advocate for its community to ensure it can deliver key programs and projects now and into the future.

Photo: Greater Ballarat Alliance of Councils Committee. Top row (left to right): Bradley Thomas, Derek Madden, Evan King, Jim Nolan. Bottom row (left to right): Cr Paul Tatchell, Cr Sarah Hayden, Cr Tracey Hargreaves, Cr Grace La Vella, Emma Little, Cr Don Henderson. Absent: Cr Tanya Kehoe, Sally Jones, Steve Sagona.