During their March meeting, Campaspe Shire councillors approved three motions reflecting issues in the region that will be presented to the Municipal Association of Victoria state council in April.
Motions put to the MAV are then discussed by delegates and potentially put forward to the Victorian Government for consideration.
One of these motions, moved by Cr Zoe Cook and seconded by Cr Jess Mitchell, called for a comprehensive transport review to strengthen rural and regional connectivity.
Cr Cook spoke about the scarcity of regional transport.
“Public transport, especially in rural and regional areas, is incredibly lacking,” she said.
“It is scheduled too infrequently ... it actually inhibits people from using it just based on the lack of services alone, let alone where they go.
“In our current climate, where the cost of owning or travelling with a vehicle ... has become even more prohibitive over the past few weeks alone. I think it is especially warranted that we have a review into our regional and rural transport.”
Cr Mitchell said regional connectivity was not strong, nor was it reasonable for workers in more isolated areas where a bus or train schedule wouldn’t get them to a job on time regardless of what time they left.
The MAV state council, made up of delegates from 79 councils, meets at least twice a year to discuss the role of local governments in Victoria.
Along with a call for a review of regional transport, Campaspe Shire Council put forward two more motions, which reflects topics council sees as values and priorities for the community, and include:
- Consistent statewide framework for renewable energy and mining developments by mandating clear consultation and community benefit contribution, and approved decommissioning plan prior to construction and a secured reclamation bond before the project
- A targeted program to fund and deliver flood mitigation upgrades and community infrastructure
Speaking about the need for clearer renewable and mining infrastructure frameworks, Cr John Zobec said this was the “most sensitive” and closest topic to Campaspe residents.
He said there needed to be a mandate preventing energy companies from abandoning renewable infrastructure after decommissioning.
Cr Luke Sharrock supported Cr Zobec, saying companies should provide financial bonds to ensure land restoration to its original condition after project completion.
When put to the vote, the motion passed unanimously.
Cr Tony Marwood is Campaspe’s delegate and will attend the meeting in April.
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