Mayor Adrian Weston said it was important for council to make sure all advocacy efforts were co-ordinated so a clear and consistent message was delivered when meeting with any politicians ahead of the election.
‘‘It’s important for us to seek commitments from both sides of government, to ensure our top five are reaching all relevant candidates and key political decision makers within each party,’’ Cr Weston said.
The priorities are:
Victoria Park Echuca
Reconfiguration and upgrade of community and recreation infrastructure to align with the construction of the second Echuca-Moama bridge. Council is seeking a federal co-investment of $2 million towards an overall $8 million upgrade, to be made up from contributions from the State Government, council and the community, to support the key regional recreational space.
Kindergarten funding
Permanent funding for the National Partnership Agreement guaranteeing 15 hours per week for all kindergarten aged children which expires in December 2019. The permanent funding will ensure local families will be able to afford to send their children to kindergarten, recognising the importance of early year’s education.
Telecommunications infrastructure
Council is seeking a commitment to the continuation of mobile blackspot funding to support agribusiness and remote communities. Previous funding rounds have been insufficient to address local blackspot issues.
Water supply for the agriculture sector, Mitiamo Pipeline
The Mitiamo Pipeline project will save more than 1000 megalitres per annum and expand the area accessible to water and provide certainty to agribusinesses. Council is seeking a federal investment of $14.5 million towards this project.
Roads and bridges funding
Council is seeking the continuation of funding programs to support improvements to the road and bridge network. Council is also seeking changes to the criteria of two current funding programs, the local roads to market program, to include the ability for government agencies to access the funds who have significant infrastructure within the road network, such as Goulburn Murray Water, and the bridges renewal program to extend beyond wooden bridges.
‘‘Council has written to known candidates with details of each of the top five outlining why the project is important to our community and what we are seeking,’’ Cr Weston said.
‘‘In some instances, we have also sought a meeting to further push our need for federal support.’’
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