Victoria’s rural councils are calling on the Federal Government to establish a new Local Government Commissioner to give rural communities a fair go in Canberra.
The call is contained in Rural Councils Victoria’s policy platform, which was released today, ahead of next year’s Federal election.
Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) is an incorporated body representing 33 small rural councils
across country Victoria.
The RCV says the proposed new Commissioner would bolster the relationship between rural communities and the Commonwealth, resulting in better council services and outcomes for residents, as well as greater alignment between the work of the Federal Government and local councils.
A Federal Local Government Commissioner could also assist with the administration of Commonwealth disaster recovery funding, meaning quicker outcomes for people following disasters, it says.
RCV Secretary and Hepburn Shire Council CEO, Bradley Thomas said rural councils often struggle to be heard in Canberra.
“A Local Government Commissioner will mean the door is always open,” he said.
“The Commissioner would be there to help local councils navigate the complexity of Federal departments and programs.”
“Better communication, faster decisions and less red tape will benefit everybody living across rural Australia.”
Rural Councils Victoria is also urging political parties and candidates to support:
- New measures to boost financial sustainability, including an increase in Financial Assistance Grants;
- Targeted funding to support community infrastructure, with a strong focus on key worker and affordable housing, and childcare;
- More clarity and better consultation on renewable energy initiatives with guarantees project benefits will stay in local communities.
