You are here:
Publish date: 31 March
All member councils of the Wimmera Southern Mallee Council Alliance (WSMCA) have formally endorsed the Resource Ready: North Western Victoria Energy & Mining Impact and Readiness Strategy, reinforcing their call for coordinated planning and investment from the Victorian Government. The Strategy responds to up to $27.7 billion in proposed energy, transmission and mining projects across North Western Victoria and highlights the opportunities and the significant pressures these developments may place on regional communities if not properly resourced. Following endorsement by all councils, the Alliance has identified three immediate advocacy priorities that they are seeking to progress with the Victorian Government. They include: •Local Government Resourcing to ensure councils can meet statutory requirements and manage project related impacts on communities and council owned assets. This reflects the unprecedented compliance, assessment and community engagement demands linked to major project proposals that rural councils are facing. •Establishment of an Economic Transition Plan which would include upfront funding for strategic studies needed to identify priority projects and guide future investment. The strategy identified growing pressures on roads, housing, workforce availability and community infrastructure. •An active role in the Community Benefit Fund so that councils can shape its scope and governance. This would ensure investments deliver strategic, place based outcomes, align with State, Regional and Local Government priorities, and contribute to long term regional transition. Since the Strategy was released, the Alliance has met with senior government officials and written to the Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Resources seeking further discussions. They have also raised concerns about recent changes to compulsory acquisition laws and are calling for government to work closely with affected communities. Endorsing the Strategy does not signal support or opposition to individual projects. It reflects councils’ shared responsibility to prepare communities for significant economic change and ensure development delivers lasting local benefit. Quote attributable to Buloke Mayor, Cr Graeme Milne “We’re asking for the resources and coordination needed to manage the real, on-the-ground impacts of major energy and mining proposals so that our communities share in the benefits. “This is a call to action for the Victorian Government to take the steps needed on council resourcing, an Economic Transition Fund, and genuine local input into the Community Benefit Fund.”
#End release
For further information contact Buloke Shire Council on 1300 520 520 or email media@buloke.vic.gov.au