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Image: The Hon Dan Tehan, Education Minister and member for Wannon, Cr Mary-Ann Brown, Mr David Morcom in Canberra

RCV brings priority issues to Canberra

Rural Councils Victoria delegates have visited Canberra to highlight a number of important issues impacting rural Victorian communities.

RCV Chair Cr Mary-Ann Brown and Committee Member David Morcom met with elected representatives from across the political spectrum to discuss findings from recent RCV research and key priorities for support and investment.
During the visit, RCV highlighted:

• Significant opportunities for health and aged care services in rural Victoria
• Prioritising investment in education to ensure opportunities for students in rural areas
• More direct funding for local councils to ensure the essential services available in metropolitan and regional Australia are also available in rural and remote settings

Calls for new council funding model
RCV Chair addresses Local Government Ratings System Review Panel

Victoria’s rural communities have called on the state government for help to support the unique needs of people living in rural areas.

At a public hearing Cr Mary-Ann Brown, Chair of Rural Councils Victoria (RCV), told the Local Government Ratings System Review Panel that rural councils and their communities are struggling to keep up with the demand for services.

RCV’s submission to the review states that rural councils do not have sufficient revenue to deliver essential services to their communities, and this is impacting on liveability of rural Victorians.

RCV Chair Cr Mary-Ann Brown told the public hearing:

“A new funding model is needed for rural councils across the state.”

“RCV believes a broader taxation and funding model inquiry is necessary to address the serious issues facing rural councils in meeting the needs of our communities, so that they thrive and prosper.”

Spotlight on small councils' best practice at 2020 Rural Summit

We're pleased to be partnering with Strathbogie Shire Council to deliver the 2020 Summit at the beautiful Mitchelton Winery in Nagambie.

Join us on 6-8 May 2020 to learn about how our smallest member councils and a number of small business partners are "doing more with less".

This is a great opportunity to learn from best practice approaches, the latest in research and policy, and to hear from innovative leaders and industry colleagues to find out how to approach the challenges and opportunities your council is facing.

Sector News

Native logging to be phased out by 2030
November announcement by the Victorian Government will have an impact on the economies of a number of rural Victorian towns. 
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-06/native-timber-logging-in-victoria-to-be-phased-out-by-2030/11678590

Fines Reform Advisory Board
Councils and community members have an opportunity to provide feedback on on how the State Government fines system is working. Have Your Say by 3 February 2020.
engage.vic.gov.au/fines-reform 

Infrastructure Priorities for the Regions
Infrastructure Victoria are seeking your support to prioritise infrastructure projects throughout Victoria. Visit the website for more information. Submissions close 7 February 2020.  
http://www.infrastructurevictoria.com.au/project/research-infrastructure-priorities-for-the-regions/