Representatives from the Hindmarsh, Buloke and Northern Grampians shires attended the summit between Wednesday and Friday.  

The summit focused on the livability offering of rural and regional areas. It aimed to equip council staff, leaders and residents of rural communities with skills, information and capacity to respond to the ever-changing environments.

Northern Grampians Shire Council mayor Tony Driscoll said the summit’s theme of livability in rural areas was pertinent to all councils attending. He said it was important to flesh out ideas about attracting population and creating opportunities for communities. 

Cr Driscoll said the summit broke livability down into 11 points, which included crime and safety, housing, education, employment, transport and health and social services. 

“The data is showing that the fastest growing municipalities are urban areas. Whereas, three of the lowest growing municipalities are in the Southern Mallee region,” he said. “We tick all those boxes, but the reality is we aren’t attracting the population.”

Cr Driscoll said collaboration with Rural Councils Victoria was the next step. 

Buloke Shire councillor Darryl Warren said the summit was a chance to gain insight from other rural councils about local government issues. Cr Warren said the state government rate cap and how other rural councils generated income was a topic of interest.

“The rate cap was an interesting issue that people have a differing view on how rural councils can generate income. We don’t have access to funding streams that metropolitan councils have, such as parking meter fees,” he said. “Rates are our major source of income and government funding. However, we do have issues related to funding given to rural councils.” 

He said population in rural areas was a key discussion point at the summit. 

“We are seeing a declining population and we need to find ways to attract and retain our people,” he said. 

Hindmarsh Shire Council’s mayor Ron Ismay said the summit was an opportunity to learn and explore different ideas being used by councils across rural Victoria. 

“We all take away different ideas in our head. While these plans are not definitive, they have the potential to become something in a few years time,” he said. “At past summits, we got the idea for a youth council for the Hindmarsh shire. But, this didn’t happen straight away.

“We all live in our own bubbles, in our remote areas, and it’s great to get out and see what other areas are doing – to be inspired.”