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Buloke Shire Council has joined a united push for more investment into rural communities ahead of Victorian election to get a better deal from Spring Street.
At its Council Meeting held on 16 September, Council confirmed its support for the campaign, joining councils across the state in calling for greater investment in rural and regional communities.
“The message from councils across rural Victoria is clear. Our communities are growing, our infrastructure needs are increasing and we need a long-term commitment to investment that will help regional Victoria thrive,” Mayor Cr Graeme Milne.
“We’ve backed Rural Councils Victoria’s official ‘Invest in Rural Victoria’ campaign, pushing for increased state government investment in roads, community infrastructure, economic development and housing, as well as broader reforms to make councils more financially sustainable.
“The proposed $1 billion Productivity and Growth Fund would support the projects that matter most to our communities, creating jobs, improving liveability and helping attract and retain residents, workers and families.”
The fund would help to turbocharge investment in pools, libraries, sporting facilities and housing infrastructure.
As part of this campaign, council will be installing high-visibility signs across the shire, and hosting a candidate forum in the led up to the election.
“We’re asking community members to add their voice to the campaign too,” said Cr Milne.
The detailed policy recommendations underpinning the ‘Invest in Rural Victoria’ campaign can be found on the RCV website, visit: www.RuralCouncilsVictoria.org.au/invest. The proposals are focused on practical solutions and positive investment in rural Victoria.
Rural Councils Victoria Chair, Cr Rob Amos, said the ‘Invest in Rural Victoria’ campaign was ultimately about fairness and respect.
“Rural areas power the Victorian economy, but many communities continue to face significant challenges including deteriorating roads, housing shortages and ageing infrastructure.”
“We deserve our fair share of investment in infrastructure, services and community facilities.”
“Local councils are on the frontline delivering services and infrastructure that communities rely on every day, but we can’t do it alone.”
“Whoever wins power in November must invest more in rural Victoria.”
“We want to work constructively with all political parties and candidates to deliver better outcomes for rural communities,” Cr Amos said.