Council allies reveal election priorities

LEADERS from the Greater Ballarat Alliance of Councils have gathered to discuss their regional priorities ahead of the Federal election.

The alliance includes the City of Ballarat, Moorabool Shire Council, Golden Plains Shire Council, Hepburn Shire Council, Pyrenees Shire Council and Central Goldfields Shire Council.

The quarterly meeting took place in Daylesford last Friday and the alliance urged political parties to commit to housing, transport, digital infrastructure and financial sustainability in regional areas.

GBAC chair and City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said regional communities require additional support as they experience rapid population growth.

“We are seeking bi-partisan support for measures that will ensure our residents and businesses have access to adequate housing, transport, digital connectivity and infrastructure services required to drive this region’s prosperity,” she said.

“This is about fairness and equality for the increasing number of people who are choosing to live, work and spend their time in our regional and rural areas.”

The alliance discussed securing infrastructure funding for water, sewerage and roads to unlock more housing in regional Victoria.

Cr Hargreaves said she hopes to see transport upgrades to the Western and Midland Highways.

“Transformative infrastructure projects and regionally significant priorities are critical to ensuring regional industries and communities can thrive and achieve their potential,” she said.

The alliance is also calling for digital infrastructure upgrades to address slow internet and patchy mobile coverage.