Hodge appointed to mayoral panel

SURF Coast Shire mayor Rose Hodge has been elected onto the Victorian Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel for this year.
Cr Hodge joins 11 other Victorian mayors on the panel, which advises Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins on a range of issues.
Anglesea Ward councillor Margot Smith also served on the panel during her mayoral term in 2015.
Cr Hodge said she would look forward to the opportunity to raise local issues and work constructively on local government reform.
“With reforms to the Local Government Act and the statewide Fair Go on Rates policy, there is a lot happening around local government in 2016 and we want to be part of that conversation on behalf of our community.
“Surf Coast is known as a community that works constructively. It is important that we continue to work in this way with state government on issues that are important for our community and all Victorians.”
She said the panel would provide an opportunity to put forward Surf Coast Shire’s point of view on a range of matters affecting the operation of local government.
“We will as always advocate with passion on behalf of our community, but this is also a great opportunity to listen and learn from the minister and other experienced mayors throughout Victoria.
“It’s a privilege to be appointed to this panel and I look forward to taking up the opportunity.”