ADVOCACY PRIORITIES 2018 - 2021

Lobbying for better outcomes on behalf of our community ADVOCACY IS ABOUT SPEAKING OUT ON ISSUES THAT MATTER TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.

Advocacy is a key role of As times move forward, so do local government community priorities For council, advocacy is about stepping up to speak out This document highlights the priority infrastructure and on important issues on behalf of Campaspe residents, policy needs for Campaspe over the period 2018-2021. ratepayers and businesses. We also know that new things can crop up in the interim. We do this to seek positive outcomes from decision- Council will be ready to engage when new issues emerge makers on important issues, such as new infrastructure, that impact the municipality and region. funding for programs, or changes to policy or legislation that will benefit our community.

Contents A snapshot of our community 1

Our advocacy partners and audience 3

Now in focus: Key advocacy campaigns 2018-2021 4 Overhauling Key Sport and Recreation Spaces Transformative Public Transport Upgrades Service Roads for Business Growth Regional Natural Trail Experiences Precinct-Building: Events

Standing by our communities: Advocacy support for local issues 15

Always in our sights: The enduring challenges 17 A SNAPSHOT OF OUR COMMUNITY

OUR VISION IS TO BE STRONG, SUPPORTIVE, VIBRANT AND SUSTAINABLE.

Overview POPULATION COMMUNITIES (APPROX.) The sits directly north of Bendigo in the Echuca 13,500 Loddon Mallee region, with the Murray River forming its northern boundary. 5,700 Rochester 2,600 The municipality has a resident population of approximately 38,000, with the majority of people living 1,220 in or surrounding the main towns of Echuca, Kyabram, Rushworth 1,000 Rochester, Tongala, and Rushworth. The largest town Stanhope 470 in the Shire, Echuca, along with its NSW counterpart, Lockington 350 Moama, has a combined population of approximately Gunbower 260 22,300 and continues to experience strong population Girgarre 190 growth. 110 While the Campaspe economy is overwhelmingly driven by Rural areas and small communities 12,600 the agriculture and food processing sector, tourism plays SHIRE 38,000 a strong role with Echuca Moama and the iconic Murray River sitting amongst the state’s key tourism destinations.

GUNBOWER DARWIN Map of Campaspe Shire MURRAY VALLEYMURRAY HWY RIVER NORTHERN TERRITORY KOW QUEENSLAND The shire has an estimated residential SWAMP population of 37,463 people. WESTERN SOUTH AUSTRALIA BRISBANE GOULBURN RIVER NEW SOUTH WALES ECHUCA PERTH SYDNEY WYUNA CANBERRA ADELAIDE TONGALA LOCKINGTON MIDLAND HWY TASMANIA

NANNEELLA KYABRAM ROCHESTER GREENS LAKE GIRGARRE

MIDLAND HWY MELBOURNE STANHOPE COROP

LAKE COOPER

WARANGA BASIN

COLBINABBIN NORTHERN HWY RUSHWORTH VICTORIA

CAMPASPE RIVER MELBOURNE MELBOURNE 2 HOURS DRIVE

ADVOCACY PRIORITIES 2018 - 2021 | CAMPASPE SHIRE COUNCIL PAGE 1 A SNAPSHOT OF OUR COMMUNITY

Our Advantages Our Challenges • Strong transport links to Bendigo and Melbourne • Key towns growing, versus population decline in smaller • Located centrally to key agricultural regions: the communities , Riverina and Mallee • Water security for the agricultural sector • Strong and diversified economy • High costs of inputs for industry • Warm climate and access to irrigation • An ageing population • Relatively high employment levels • Substance abuse • Access to primary health care and quality primary/ • Availability of higher education and training secondary education • Cross-border administration • High rates of community participation and volunteering

WE MAINLY WE ARE WORK IN GROWING Manufacturing, 2013: 36,919 Agriculture, 2036: 43,000 (forecast) Health care, and Tourism

WE ARE WE HAVE A BECOMING SIZEABLE OLDER AND ABORIGINAL YOUNGER POPULATION Compared to regional Victoria we have a 2.3% of residents are higher population of Aboriginal, both younger people compared to the state and older people average of 0.7%

WE HAVE ON AVERAGE, LOWER LEVELS WE EARN LESS OF EDUCATION In 2011 the median 47.2% of residents hold weekly income was a qualification of some only $886, compared sort compared to 51.6% to $945 for regional for regional Victoria Victoria and $1,242 for Australia as a whole

ADVOCACY PRIORITIES 2018 - 2021 | CAMPASPE SHIRE COUNCIL PAGE 2 OUR ADVOCACY PARTNERS AND AUDIENCE

Council sees other levels of government as key partners Most of council’s advocacy priorities will come as no in building a better community for the future. Likewise, surprise – many of these we have been discussing with the Campaspe works alongside the other councils of the community and government for some time. Many will also region to ensure that infrastructure and policy outcomes be found in regional plans where council has worked to carry wider regional benefits. ensure that local priorities are strategically identified

Who we work with…

Regional State Government Federal Government Campaspe works strategically within a The state government is responsible The federal government holds number of council groups - including for providing a wide range of services responsibility for a number of areas of the Murray River Group of Councils important to Campaspe, including significance to Campaspe, including and the Loddon Mallee Regional health, education, public transport, telecommunications, energy policy Partnership - to align infrastructure and major roads. The government and international trade policy - all and policy priorities. is also a significant partner in of which additionally impact on the the delivery of local community local agricultural and food processing The region’s key agencies and infrastructure through providing sector. stakeholders are also essential funding to council for a range of partners in the successful delivery of Local government also depends on projects. important projects and programs. federal financial support to provide Council works hard to keep the critical infrastructure and services to government informed of local local communities, with roads being a priorities through ongoing dialogue key recipient. and the development of formal submissions.

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THESE ARE OUR ‘BIG TICKET’ ITEMS: INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS THAT WILL BOOST LIVEABILITY AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

Over the coming period, council will focus its attention on pursuing a number of key local projects with the potential to transform the way we live and do things in Campaspe. These projects have been researched and planned with local communities over a number of years. Now ‘shovel- ready’, these initiatives need the financial support from government to help bring the vision to reality.

Campaigns Overhauling Key Sport and Recreation Spaces Transformative Public Transport Upgrades Service Roads for Business Growth Regional Natural Trail Experiences Precinct-Building: Echuca Events

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Campaign: Overhauling Key Sport and Recreation Spaces

What is it? Fast Facts An opportunity to modernise two significant recreation spaces: • Echuca population forecast to grow by 3,642 (26%) by 2036 Victoria Park - Reconfiguration and upgrade of the • 33% of residents obese sporting and community infrastructure to align with the construction of the new Echuca Moama bridge. • 53% of residents engage in insufficient physical activity Echuca East Recreation Reserve – Presently an ageing • 18% of residents have high levels of psychological and underutilised space, updated to meet the changing distress and future needs of the community. • Present recreation facilities at ‘end of life’ and not meeting user needs

Features Victoria Park Echuca East Recreation Reserve • Replace the existing ageing user infrastructure with a • Replace the existing ageing infrastructure with one multi-use pavilion multi-use facility • Upgrade internal informal paths to improve safety and • Provide a multi-purpose play space supporting strengthen pedestrian linkages along the Murray River structured recreation activities as well as informal • Improve picnic and viewing facilities and amenities recreation activities • Improve the protection of important historic elements • Create safe off-road bike skills paths • Improve boat launching and trailer parking facilities • Provide an accessible play space • Upgrade playing surfaces and car parking • Establish a safe off leash dog play park • Provide for events including Southern 80, sporting • Improve landscaping, amenities and user facilities carnivals and concerts

Key Outcomes • Improved sporting facilities Victoria Park • A multi-purpose active green space • Improved Murray River access • Shared, multi-purpose community facilities • Recognition of Aboriginal cultural significance • Safe off-road cycling and walking paths Echuca East • Safe off leash dog play park

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Benefits Improved access to quality green spaces alongside These two projects will additionally address different participation in sport and physical activity provides many recreation needs in distinct communities within Echuca: health benefits, both physical and mental: • The new Echuca Moama bridge will additionally provide • reductions in illness and deaths, stress and obesity pedestrian and cycling links from Echuca west to • builds self-esteem and positive self-image, enhances Moama. The trails proposed in the Victoria Park Master life satisfaction and perceived quality of life Plan will extend these opportunities into the natural bush reserve. • reducing destructive behaviour and anti-social activity. • The redevelopment of the Echuca East Recreation Quality sport and recreation facilities support local Reserve to incorporate a multi-purpose community economic development through facilitating events and facility will promote stronger community connection and tourism. increase opportunities for existing and new user groups.

Current Status Victoria Park Echuca East Recreation Reserve • Victoria Park Master Plan completed • Echuca East Community Precinct Plan completed • Estimated total project cost $8 million • Total project cost $2.5 million • Council and community commitment $3 million • Council has committed $166,000 for detailed design and building renewal(in 2018-2019) • Council is prepared to allocate further appropriate levels of funding to support construction

What’s Needed 1. Funding of $5 million to support staged 2. Funding of $1.8 million to support construction of the implementation of the Victoria Park Master Plan Echuca East Precinct Plan

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Campaign: Transformative Public Transport Upgrades

What is it? Fast Facts Revitalisation and activation of the Echuca Station Precinct, creating an integrated transport hub. • One return service each weekday • Two return services each weekend • Lowest frequency train line in the state • Trains are limited to 80km/h due to incomplete track works • Train directly services 25,000 people

Features The project includes: • Pedestrian and cycle linkages into and through the precinct • Upgraded station forecourt with improved pedestrian access • Medium-term accommodation and longer-term mixed use development opportunities • New public plaza space • Expanded commuter car parking capacity outside the • New bus stops to better connect into the station station entrance • Refurbishment and re-use of the existing engine shed and goods shed for civic, community or commercial purposes

Key Outcomes • Additional train services on the Echuca- Rochester- • Activation of commercial and residential land Bendigo line development opportunities on surplus rail land in • Integrated with improved regional bus connections Echuca • Improved universal access in and around the station precinct

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Benefits Supporting access to essential health, education and Activating the rail precinct, providing commercial professional services. development and adaptive reuse opportunities. Bringing workers to jobs and visitors to the region. Improving the public realm, pedestrian connectivity, safety and servicing. Providing convenience, enabling social contact and participation in leisure activities for those without other means of getting around.

Current Status • Master plan completed • Application submitted to Transport Victoria seeking • Project Control Group formed to assist delivery of the future use/requirements and formal clearance to master plan involving Campaspe Shire Council (Chair), release surplus land for sale Regional Development Victoria (Secretariat), Transport • Advocacy to Minister for Public Transport seeking for Victoria and VicTrack improved universal pedestrian and cycling access over the rail line between the residential areas and central business district and tourism precinct

What’s Needed 1. Five return train services each 2. Funding and support for 3. Improved integration of the weekday to Melbourne and/or implementation of the Echuca region’s bus and train networks to Bendigo Station Precinct Master Plan minimise travel and waiting times

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Campaign: Service Roads for Business Growth

What is it? Fast Facts The construction of vital service roads to support the growth of highway commercial precincts in Echuca. • Echuca population forecast to grow by 3,642 (26%) by 2036 • $1.68 billion Gross Regional Product • Largest Industry - Manufacturing • 16,313 Local Jobs • 1.5 million visitors annually • 4.2% growth in visitors annually

Features The project includes: • Incorporate landscaping and beautification treatments to improve the visual amenity, and increase community • Construct service roads to support improved pedestrian pride and investor confidence and vehicular connection; improving safety and access to existing and future businesses, and supporting the • Expand existing businesses and stimulate future movement of growing visitation to Echuca commercial businesses on the Northern and entrances to Echuca through improved access

Key Outcomes • Increased business investment and jobs growth • Improved pedestrian and cycling safety • Future proofing a regional centre • Increased community pride • Improved vehicle and pedestrian access

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Benefits Echuca is the northern gateway to the State of Victoria and Fully constructed service roads will support improved a significant national and international visitor destination. functional access to existing commercial businesses and The works will support improved servicing for businesses encourage further commercial investment on currently and traffic flow for visitors. undeveloped sites. The construction of service roads and improved landscaping at the key entrances will visually improve urban amenity, provide safe pedestrian crossing points and promote increased community pride.

Current Status • Partnership established with VicRoads • Estimated total project cost $5 million • Detailed design plans and costing completed • Council is prepared to allocate some funding to support construction

What’s Needed 1. Funding to support construction

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PRELIMINARY OUR KEY ADVOCACY CAMPAIGNS 2018 - 2021

Campaign: Regional Natural Trail Experiences

What is it? Fast Facts Development of two significant shared walking and cycling paths to link into to the State Trail Network. • Engaging users in the natural environment • Strong links to Aboriginal culture and interpretive opportunities • Supports local food, wine and accommodation businesses • Promotes physical activity

Features The Murchison to Heathcote Trail and Murray River • The Murchison to Heathcote Trail travels via Rushworth Adventure Trail are both identified in the Loddon and takes in historic landmarks of the Victorian Gold Campaspe Regionally Significant Trails Strategy and are Rush, local wineries, Aboriginal history, water activities priority developments for the Loddon Campaspe Regional and bird watching. The trail spans 80km through a Partnership. variety of landscapes between Murchison, Rushworth and Heathcote before connecting to the O’Keefe Rail • The Murray River Adventure Trail is located amongst the Trail. internationally recognised floodplain wetland systems of the Gunbower National Park. It is the first part of a Both trails capitalise on the region’s uniqueness by broader project to link existing trails to form a world-first engaging users in the natural environment. ‘multi-mode adventure trail.’

Key Outcomes • Increased nature-based and adventure tourism • Activation of historically significant towns, parkland and opportunities gold diggings • Recognition of Aboriginal cultural significance • Safe off-road shared walking and cycling paths

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Benefits Nature-based and adventure tourism contributes positively The trails have been designed to cater for different trail to local economies, individual health, local liveability, and experiences, adventurer needs and preferences. The cultural and environmental interactions. Murchison to Heathcote Trail has been designed to be universally accessible. The visitor economy is an important industry across the Shire of Campaspe and a significant source of employment for locals. These trails will attract users from outside the local communities and will provide an economic boost to local food and beverage outlets, accommodation facilities and other retail services.

Current Status • The trails are identified as priorities in the Loddon • Council is prepared to support further detailed design Campaspe Regionally Significant Trails Strategy due to activities through the provision of expertise to ensure their perceived ability to attract visitors from outside the trails can be delivered the region and their potential to contribute to local • Total estimate project cost $5.14 million comprising of: economies • $1.14 million for Murchison to Heathcote Trail • Partnerships have been established with Department • $4 million for Murray River Adventure Trail of Environment Land Water Planning, Parks Victoria and Heathcote Tourism and Development Inc. as well as • Council has committed $356,000 in 2018-2019 neighbouring municipalities towards construction of the Murchison to Heathcote Trail

What’s Needed 1. Murchison to Heathcote Trail - 2. Murray River Adventure Trail - $784,000 to support construction Funding to support construction

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Campaign: Precinct - Building: Echuca Events

What is it? Fast Facts The development of infrastructure linkages to support a defined events precinct stretching from the historic wharf • 1.5 million visitors annually and heritage precinct to the Aquatic Reserve - home of the • $227 million overnight visitor spend award winning Riverboats Music Festival. • Average 2.7 nights stay • Continued growth trend in visitation

Features Key features include: • Installation of a drinking fountain and bike parking/ racks • Development of a ‘river walkway’ providing universal access • Installation of three phase electricity points • Plantings to provide a barrier to the water’s edge and • Installation of low-level lighting support ecological habitat • Development of a Landscape Plan for the council and • Provision of improved access across the rail line court house area overlooking the Aquatic Reserve • Upgraded toilet and amenity facilities at the Echuca • Play space development Pump House building • Construction of irrigation systems to reduce ongoing maintenance

Key Outcomes • Increased tourism and economic investment through • Recognition of the precinct’s Aboriginal cultural heritage enhanced events capacity • Improved community engagement • Improved infrastructure to support increased access • Increased commercial river based recreation and utilisation opportunities

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Benefits Echuca is home to the nationally recognised Echuca Wharf Improving connection, accessibility and infrastructure at on the iconic Murray River. It’s rich in riverboat heritage these places for events, pedestrians and river users will and is known as Australia’s paddlesteamer capital. It support social engagement, liveability and stimulate the hosts a range of regionally significant events and festivals growth of events and festivals, hence attracting more including the National Tourism Award winning Riverboats visitors, increasing economic investment and showcasing Music Festival. the region. Whilst each site is individually significant, together they Integral to this precinct is sharing and telling Echuca’s form the foundation for a precinct that is vibrant, loved by Aboriginal cultural heritage stories - fostering locals and a must for visitors. reconciliation, increasing community engagement and building community pride.

Current Status • Aquatic Reserve Master Plan completed • Estimated total project cost of $4 million. Council is • River walkway concept design completed prepared to allocate appropriate levels of funding to support construction • Initial design plans and costings completed • Council has committed in excess of $110,000 for the development of detailed designs and costings. An Expression of Interest has been prepared for funding consideration for the balance

What’s Needed 1. Funding to complete the detailed designs and 2. Partnership funding to support construction costings

ADVOCACY PRIORITIES 2018 - 2021 | CAMPASPE SHIRE COUNCIL PAGE 14 STANDING BY OUR COMMUNITIES COUNCIL SUPPORT FOR LOCAL ISSUES

COUNCIL’S ADVOCACY ROLE INCLUDES BACKING LOCAL GROUPS WITH THEIR LOBBYING EFFORTS WHEN NEEDED.

There are a number of non-council projects identified as indispensable to the progression of the Campaspe community, in particular in the spheres of education and regional economic development. The Campaspe Shire Council endorses these key projects and the work being undertaken by various community organisations to seek government recognition and funding support.

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Transformative Education Initiatives Twin Rivers Stage 2 What’s Needed The new Echuca Twin Rivers Primary School welcomed its first students at the start Up to $17 million in funding to of the 2018 school year. The new school merged the former Echuca South Primary support incorporation of Echuca School and Echuca West Primary School in the first stage of this project. Stage 2 Specialist School on the site proposes the incorporation of Echuca Specialist School on site.

Kyabram P-12 College Master Plan Implementation What’s Needed The Kyabram P-12 Master Plan provides for new and refurbished education facilities $300,000 to complete detailed to support increased education opportunities. Stages 1 & 2 of the master plan have design of stage 3 been completed. Funding for detailed design of stage 3 is needed. Total project cost $20 million (remaining stages).

Co-Location of Early Childhood Education Centres What’s Needed Co-location of Early Childhood Education Centres into existing schools and in the The co-location of Early planning for new schools across the region. Co-locating services within schools has Childhood Education Centres be significant benefits locally. Services are on one site, sharing common rooms and included in the planning of new services, infrastructure and equipment provide benefits to parents, staff and the schools and the consolidation of service. existing education facilities

Kindergartens: Universal Access to 15 Hours What’s Needed Early childhood education is the foundation for lifelong learning. The National A commitment to permanent Partnership Agreement with the federal government guaranteeing funding of 15 hours funding for the National per week for all kindergarten-aged children expires in December 2019. Partnership Agreement on Universal Access to Early Without ongoing funding for universal access to early childhood education, many Childhood Education families will no longer be able to afford putting their children into kindergarten. This impacts on children, their families, and kindergarten staff, and at the same time jeopardises Australia’s quality of education.

Local and Regional Development Gargarro Regional Botanic Gardens Stage 1 What’s Needed Gargarro Regional Botanic Gardens is located in the small town of Girgarre. The 1. $400,000 to complete project will be delivered over the next 20 years at a total project cost of $20 million. detailed design Stage 1 includes the development of detailed design plans and the construction of 2. $600,000 to complete staged the sensory gardens. The garden design has been created by Taylor Cullity Lethlean construction works and will be managed by the local community in partnership Yorta people, Goulburn Broken Indigenous Seedbank, Department of Justice and Regulation, Swinburn University and Kyabram Community and Learning Centre. Total project cost $20 million, Total Stage 1 cost $1.02 million.

ADVOCACY PRIORITIES 2018 - 2021 | CAMPASPE SHIRE COUNCIL PAGE 16 ALWAYS IN OUR SIGHTS THE ENDURING LOCAL AND REGIONAL CHALLENGES

THESE ISSUES INCLUDE SOME OF OUR COMMUNITY’S PERSISTENT DIFFICULTIES, WHICH COUNCIL STRIVES TO PROGRESS THROUGH REGIONAL COLLABORATION AND SUSTAINED DIALOGUE.

Our communities face a range of persistent difficulties – issues that stay on the agenda for successive years and continuously evolve. Council works to advance these issues through regional collaboration and raising their profile through ongoing advocacy and dialogue with government.

ADVOCACY PRIORITIES 2018 - 2021 | CAMPASPE SHIRE COUNCIL PAGE 17 THE ENDURING LOCAL AND REGIONAL CHALLENGES

Growing Regional Victoria What’s Needed With Victoria’s population continuing to expand at a rapid rate, it’s essential The development of a Victorian that a better balance is struck between the growth of Melbourne versus regional Population Strategy to improve Victoria. Many of the state’s regions and rural communities lag behind, despite long-term outcomes for offering great lifestyle opportunities, jobs and affordable housing. regions and reduce the pace of Melbourne population growth Council supports the calls of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) for a long term population strategy to better manage growth and share opportunities across the state. This includes mechanisms and funding to support key infrastructure projects in rural areas and regional cities to stimulate population growth outside Melbourne.

Water Supply for the Agricultural Sector What’s Needed Agricultural production and its associated processing and servicing industry Ongoing government remain Campaspe’s single largest area of economic output and source of local commitment and investment to jobs. The success of the northern Victorian ‘foodbowl’ lies in the availability of ensure that further water savings irrigation water through the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID). Campaspe measures do not negatively Shire Council – along with the Murray River Group of Councils – has been an impact on communities or advocate for water reform through the Murray Darling Basin Plan, recognising northern Victoria’s agricultural the need for balance through healthy rivers, a strong economy and flourishing production capacity communities. However, the sourcing of yet-further water from northern Victoria remains a considerable risk to the economy and livelihood of the region. Continued investment in water infrastructure - including water delivery systems and on-farm efficiency - is critical to ensuring the objective of a ‘balanced Basin Plan’ can be met.

Sustainability for Rural Municipalities What’s Needed Many rural councils face a financial challenge not experienced by larger A sustainable, long-term model metropolitan councils. With larger land areas and smaller populations - yet for rural council funding, numerous communities to support – many rural councils find it difficult to including revised future indexing continue to provide the suite of services needed by local communities. With cuts of Financial Assistance Grants to to federal funding and the state-imposed rate capping over recent years, the rectify impacts from the 2014- ability to continue the provision of vital services has become increasingly difficult 2017 indexation pause for rural councils. Telecommunications Infrastructure What’s Needed With businesses and households progressively moving online to access everyday Continuation of mobile services, it is vital that our telecommunications systems are able to meet the blackspot funding, coupled with needs of Campaspe communities. incentivisation for investment in upgrades by telecommunication Mobile blackspots are an ongoing frustration, which can impede rural business providers communications. A continued and long-term focus on telecommunications investment is essential to the liveability and prosperity of Campaspe and the region.

ADVOCACY PRIORITIES 2018 - 2021 | CAMPASPE SHIRE COUNCIL PAGE 18 THE ENDURING LOCAL AND REGIONAL CHALLENGES

Cross Border Issues What’s Needed As a border community, Campaspe Shire – and in particular the regional centre Sustained engagement with local of Echuca Moama - is functionally impeded by administrative challenges arising government to determine priority from statutory discrepancies between Victoria and New South Wales. Areas of action areas for cross-border impact include transport and freight, health services, education services and resolution licencing and regulation across a range of industries. Council welcomes the Victorian Government’s establishment of a cross-border body through the 2018-2019 budget to oversee the issue. Council will use this opportunity to advocate for changes that realise: • Improved coordination of service delivery • Opportunities for integrated planning and infrastructure development • Removal of red-tape for local businesses

Roads and Bridges Funding What’s Needed Council maintains a road network of more than 4,000 kilometres, including 1,147 The reinstatement of state kms of sealed roads, 2,440 kms of gravel roads and 551 kms of earth roads. funded allocations for rural Council additionally maintains 64 bridges as part of its road network. Roads roads and bridges directly to make up council’s largest single item expenditure, with around 20% of the annual local councils budget allocated to road and bridge maintenance. Supplementary federal roads In recent years rural councils have been hit with unsustainable reductions in funding to offset reductions in grant income for roads, with cancellation of the Roads and Bridges program by Financial Assistance Grants over the state government and a three year indexation freeze on federal government recent years Financial Assistance Grants. Nationally, there is an estimated $1.2 billion annual funding shortfall to maintain Australia’s local roads. Increased investment in local roads must be part of the solution to increasing transport productivity on the nation’s transport network.

ADVOCACY PRIORITIES 2018 - 2021 | CAMPASPE SHIRE COUNCIL PAGE 19 Campaspe Shire Council Corner Hare & Heygarth Streets, Echuca Phone: 03 5481 2200 Email: [email protected] Post: PO Box 35, Echuca VIC 3564