As Australians look to the future with the upcoming federal election, so too, Campaspe Shire Council is focusing on the bigger picture with today's launch of its 'Advocating for a Brighter Tomorrow' campaign.
The campaign highlights six key advocacy priorities for the incoming Australian Government, focusing on some of the most significant issues and challenges facing Campaspe Shire.
"There has never been a more important time to advocate for federal funding and policies to help make our communities safer, healthier and more resilient, and council organisations more financially sustainable," Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell said.
"While water is the lifeblood of our communities, supporting lifestyles, business and industry, tourism and the nation's food bowl, it can also have far-reaching negative impacts when external forces come into play. As such, water is a key theme in five of our six advocacy priorities."
Campaspe's six advocacy priorities are:
- Aquatic facilities to replace the flood-demolished Rochester pool to support recovery and enhance the health and wellbeing, and social connectedness of Rochester.
- Establishment of a national program for aquatic infrastructure to support the health, fitness and wellbeing of our communities.
- Reconstruction of flood-damaged, critical road infrastructure to enable safe and efficient access to statewide waste facilities.
- A commitment to fund flood study mitigation measures to protect our communities from future floods caused by extreme weather.
- Fair, direct and timely compensation to communities impacted by water purchasing as part of Basin Plan community adjustment packages.
- Restoration of Financial Assistance Grants to 1% to support the financial sustainability of councils Australia-wide.
"Our communities have had it particularly tough in recent years," Cr Mackrell said.
"On top of the cost-of-living crisis and housing crisis, many of our communities are still recovering from multiple flood events which have significantly impacted our critical infrastructure, resident health and wellbeing, and fabric of our communities.
"We look forward to partnering with the next Australian Government to ensure we have the investments and policies needed to drive positive change and create a brighter tomorrow for our growing community."
