Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Stuart King, and CEO Scott Barber recently participated in a two-day visit to Canberra with the Murray River Group of Councils (MRGC). The purpose of the visit was to discuss critical issues including the Basin Plan, housing, renewable energy opportunities, roads, infrastructure and regional development with Ministers and their advisers.
Cr King noted that the delegation was led by MRGC Chair and Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ross Stanton.
"There is significant value in the MRGC presenting as a united front in having these important discussions with our national leaders.
"CEO Scott Barber and I, along with representatives from the six member councils—Campaspe, Gannawarra, Loddon, Mildura, Moira, and Swan Hill—focused heavily on water recovery, raising our concerns about the Government's open tender water purchase program and its potential impact on our communities.
"At a time when living costs are already high, it is crucial that the Government does not exacerbate these expenses. Whilst we support the principles of the Murray Darling Basin Plan, we advocate for a more strategic implementation that ensures environmental sustainability and supports our irrigation sector. We want outcomes that will sustain our communities, not destroy them," he said.
Cr King said during discussions the delegation also highlighted the region's potential in renewable energy.
"With our abundant solar and wind resources and forthcoming transmission line investments, we are well-positioned to contribute significantly to energy transition. Local energy generation can also benefit both established food and manufacturing industries, supporting emerging innovators. Again, we stressed the need for local councils to be part of the conversations when it comes to government-initiated development which supports national objectives in our municipalities," he added.
Cr King said meaningful discussions were held with Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Hon. Catherine King, including expressing our gratitude for the recent funding injection which is set to transform riverfront precincts in Swan Hill and Robinvale
"We also took the opportunity to advocate for other key local priorities including the complete delivery of our Riverfront Masterplans, the need for funding to revitalise key community infrastructure including local sporting and recreation facilities, and of course the ongoing need for more road funding. Minister King is also taking a keen interest in the progress of the Swan Hill Bridge," Cr King said.
In discussions with Federal Minister for Local Government and Regional Development, Kristy McBain, CEO Scott Barber stressed the need for a coordinated approach across various Federal portfolios to support water recovery, safeguard our communities, and capitalise on our strengths in renewable energy. He emphasised that to attract people to our regions, where there are ample employment opportunities, the Federal Government should support Councils and developers in building more homes. This support should include funding for "enabling infrastructure"—the essential facilities needed for developing housing or industrial subdivisions, such as roads, drainage systems, electrical grids, street lighting, water supply, sewerage, telecommunication services, carparks, and green spaces. Additionally, it should encompass the upgrading of existing infrastructure to accommodate town expansion and new developments.
"We are hopeful that Minister McBain will accept our invitation to visit the Swan Hill municipality and the MRGC collective."
During talks with the representative for the Minister Housing and Homelessness, Clare O'Neil, and other officials, Cr King emphasised the work that Swan Hill Rural City Council had undertaken in attempts to solve local housing issues.
"We highlighted our Housing Action: Greater Swan Hill Committee, a local committee made up of partners who are volunteering their time because they are passionate about creating solutions to housing in our region.
"Our region can play a key role in addressing Australia's housing crisis," he said.
The delegation concluded the visit meeting with Victorian Senators David Van and Ralph Babet.
"Senators not only play a crucial role in the passage of legislation but also when it comes to accountability in the implementation of legislation and associated Senate estimates hearings. It is important that they are well briefed on the issues important to our region," he said.
Cr King expressed appreciation to all who met with the delegation and said Council eagerly anticipated ongoing cooperation to further support and enhance our communities.
We invited Ministers to visit our regions, to witness firsthand our thriving Agricultural, and Industrial sectors, and to meet with local leaders to understand just what Swan Hill Rural City Council and other Councils within the MRGC provide to support the economy of our nation.
