Two Councillors, our CEO and I attended a Rural Councils Victoria Forum for Councillors Mayors and CEOs.
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We heard from several guest speakers including the Hon Jaala Pulford MP – Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development, Hon Matthew Guy MP – Leader of the Opposition, and James Flintoff – CEO of Regional Development Victoria.
There were several topics covered at this forum, but the one that kept coming up was the rate at which Melbourne’s population is predicted to expand in the coming years (approx. 100K per year) and the increased day to day traffic congestion that is expected.
This highlights the importance of making rural and regional Victoria more liveable, more connected and in particular making Melbourne more accessible to country Victoria.
It is hoped this will encourage more professionals and migrants to venture further than the State’s capital city but still feel connected to the lifestyle Melbourne provides, at the same time encouraging much needed population growth and valuable services to other parts of Victoria.
Our recent advocacy meetings in Melbourne on behalf of the Shire were with the Roads Minister and the Regional Director of VicRoads – Western Victoria.
We discussed the level of services we provide as a VicRoads Agency, the need to provide a larger range of services, and the continual funding needed to maintain our large road network.
We met with the Health Minister to advocate for a mental health service in the form of a regional outreach program.
Our discussion with the Water Minister included the need for a reticulated sewer scheme in Goroke, and improved water quality in Harrow.
Also discussed was the need for improved telecommunications. West Wimmera has numerous mobile black spot zones, and areas with an unreliable National Broadband Network connection restricting business growth and opportunity.
It’s vital we provide these basic services, which most take for granted.
Finally, with a State election coming up later this year we hope to see some additional funding come our way, so we can make West Wimmera an even more attractive place to live.
Councillor Jodie Pretlove, West Wimmera Shire Council mayor
