Funds needed for growth

A call for infrastructure funding in fast growing peri-urban councils, including Baw Baw, will be put on the table at a national level.

Councillors unanimously endorsed a submission for a council representative to present at the 2023 general assembly of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA).

Cr Tricia Jones believed it would be the first time Baw Baw made a submission at the national forum.

The submission will call on the Federal Government to provide more critical infrastructure and services for fast-growing peri-urban regions of Australia.

“It’s important that for those community members moving from the city into peri-urban communities, that the same amenity and effective connectivity - both digital and transport - are readily available,” the motion states.

Peri-urban is a zone of transition from rural to urban land, with Baw Baw, Bass Coast, Golden Plains, Moorabool and Surf Coast councils some Victorian examples.

The ALGA represents 537 councils across the country. Each year it holds a national general assembly in Canberra.

Cr Jones said it would be exciting to put up the first submission from Baw Baw.

“Our motion is practical, focussed and relatively simple. Our motion may be debated, amended, supported and even defeated. Whatever happens, it’s at the national assembly, that will be the right place.”

Cr Joe Gauci said all council was asking for was help and infrastructure.

“There is a genuine split between city and regional,” Cr Gauci said. “But every now and again when you get a recommendation that strikes the note, when it’s really recognisable by lots of communities throughout Australia, you do get that support.”

“We’re asking for help, we’re asking for support and we’re asking to be recognised as an important part of the country,” he said.