‘Liveability’ think tank

Wimmera rural council representatives will join a statewide exploration into the ‘liveability’ of regional areas during a gathering at Lakes Entrance this week.

A Rural Councils Victoria Rural Summit, including 100 delegates from a broad cross-section of municipalities, starts today and continues until Friday.

Rural Councils Victoria chairman and Hindmarsh Shire representative Cr Rob Gersch, of Nhill, said the summit aimed to equip rural community council staff, leaders and residents with skills, information and capacity to respond to change.

“The summit is also an opportunity for discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing regional communities,” he said.

“We have attracted speakers from government, industry, tourism and business sectors, as well as people who specialise in forecasting the future of rural areas and how we can best adapt and prepare ourselves for a future of promise.”

An imbalance in Victoria’s growth between massive expansion in Melbourne and a shrinking in regional population is already generating intense political debate leading up the November state election.

Mr Gersch said discussion topics at the summit, hosted by East Gippsland Shire Council, included –

• Liveability in regional Victoria – how do we see the future?

• What the factors are which develop lifestyle opportunities in rural areas;

• The role of government and private industries in supporting rural communities; through transport and infrastructure.

Cr Gersch said the summit was an opportunity to network and discuss common issues that were affecting rural people.