Colac Otway Shire reaffirms its ties with Barwon Regional partnership

THE Colac Otway Shire has reaffirmed its commitment to the Barwon Regional Partnership.

Shire mayor Chris Potter said being part of the forum that will provide advice on regional priorities was an important communication channel with the state government.

“The Barwon Regional Partnership was set up by the state government to bring together people from the community, industry and government to discuss and debate the region’s top priorities.

“Increasingly, governments want councils to be more strategic and regionally focussed, so it makes sense to work with our neighbours to agree on our priorities.”

He said that while the council worked effectively as part of G21 to establish regional priorities, the partnership provided connections through state government departments to cabinet for specific projects.

“All councils within the state participate in Regional Partnerships, and we believe the community would be at a disadvantage in promoting priorities if we weren’t part of these forums.

“There are significant benefits to being coordinated with our advocacy – the power of putting a project before the state government with Colac Otway, Surf Coast, Geelong and Queenscliffe’s support behind it can’t be understated.

“We look forward to forging a close and productive relationship with this forum and strongly representing the needs of Colac Otway as a united group to government.”

Under a recommendation adopted by the council at its October meeting, the Colac Otway Shire will seek regular briefings from the Barwon Regional Partnership on its progress against priorities.