The Murray River Group of Councils (MRGC) recently took its key regional messages about the impact of the Basin Plan, housing availability and renewable energy opportunities to the nation’s leaders over two days in Canberra.
Led by MRCG Chair and Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor, Ross Stanton, Mayors and CEOs representing the six member Councils – Campaspe, Gannawarra, Loddon, Mildura, Moira and Swan Hill – met with Ministers and advisers on 19 and 20 August, talking up the opportunities across northern Victoria.
“Northern Victoria is a fantastic place to live, to work and for families to thrive. We want to see our region grow and prosper,” Mayor Stanton said.
“Our six councils have been working collaboratively for years and the message we took to Canberra was that we want to work with the Commonwealth to deliver for our communities.”
Water was the key issue raised during meetings with the office of Minister for Water, Tanya Plibersek and Shadow Minister for Water, Senator Perin Davey.
“We are very concerned about the impact that the Government’s non-strategic, open tender water purchase program will have on our communities,” Mayor Stanton said.
“The scatter gun, open tender approach to water purchase from our irrigation districts, with no planning, is going to put input costs up. Around half of all farm businesses across our region rely on irrigation so that will flow on to supermarket prices.
“Our farmers and food manufacturers together produce some $7.75 billion dollars’ worth of food across our six LGAs and Governments shouldn’t be adding pressure to prices at a time when cost of living is such an issue.
“We support the Basin Plan but there is a better way of implementing it that will deliver better outcomes for the environment and will leave a sustainable irrigation sector in northern Victoria.
“Our message to decision makers is simple: please work with us and our communities – not against us. Together we can protect our riverine ecosystems and achieve a sustainable future for food production in one of Australia’s most productive food bowls.”
Regional Development and the importance of a connected approach were the topics of discussion with Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain.
The Group expressed its gratitude for the increased Roads to Recovery funding that it says will allow local councils to plan their future road programs with more confidence.
“Increased roads funding is vital to make sure our road networks are improving for our businesses and to connect our communities and we look forward to continuing to work together with Minister King on delivering the infrastructure investment that our communities need,” Mayor Stanton said.
The Group also met with the office Minister for Energy, Chris Bowen, where they raised the topic of opportunities for renewable energy generation across the region.
“Our region is poised to become a clean energy powerhouse. With our location, excellent solar and wind resources, the incoming transmission line investment, northern Victoria can be a major contributor and stands to really benefit from the energy transition,” Mayor Stanton said.
“With our existing manufacturing base, this could open up opportunities for clean energy powered manufacturing both our current food manufacturing industries as well as for entrepreneurs looking to innovate and diversify.”
MRCG spruiked the benefits of encouraging people to relocate to northern Victoria and explained the housing market interventions and infrastructure improvements required to support this during meetings with Minister King, Minister McBain and advisors to the Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Clare O’Neil.
“We have room to grow, an enviable lifestyle in strong communities, great options for families and good jobs, and more affordable land than in many areas.”
“With some clever investment and a collaborative approach between Federal, State and Local governments, our region can become part of the solution to Australia’s housing crisis,” Mayor Stanton said.
The contingent also met with Federal Member for Nichols, Sam Birrell and Victorian Senator David Van to provide an update regarding the MRGC and key issues the group is advocating for.
“We thank all who met with our delegation and look forward to working together to benefit our residents,” Mayor Stanton said.
