Council moved to make the  Refugee Welcome Zone declaration at a meeting on Monday.

The declaration means Northern Grampians will become a local government area that has made a commitment in spirit to welcoming refugees into the community, upholding the human rights of refugees, demonstrating compassion for refugees and enhancing cultural and religious diversity in the community. 

There are currently 39 other Victorian municipalities who have also signed the declaration including Wimmera municipalities Ararat Rural City, Horsham Rural City and Hindmarsh.

Cr Wayne Rice displayed his frustrations in regards to the declaration at Monday’s meeting.

“I am very disappointed this matter has come before council and that any resource time has been put into putting together this report,” he said. “This is not going to bring one business or one resident to Northern Grampians Shire and it will not create one opportunity.

“There has not been enough community consultation – I don’t think our community are ready for this.”

Mayor Murray Emerson said the declaration was not about economic development in the shire.

“We are doing this through compassion,” he said.

“Many other shires and state and federal government have shown the way, especially this week trying to get all children out of detention centres.

“It’s all a step in the right direction.”

He said he had personally gone out into the community to consult with the public and received nothing but positive feedback.

Cr Tony Driscoll praised the commitment.

“This will demonstrate a stance against racism and discrimination,” he said.

“Hopefully it will foster a culture of mutual respect.”

Cr Karen Hyslop also pointed out the possible economic benefits.

“With all that’s going on in our shire job opportunities are more likely to increase,” she said. “Hopefully we’ll be able to fill some of those jobs with role from local people.

“But hopefully also we’ll be able to bring employees from outside the shire and some of those are likely to be refugees.”

The motioned passed after a vote of six councillors to one.