Ahead of May’s federal election, Campaspe Shire Council has shared its advocacy priorities for the next government.
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The ‘Advocating for a brighter tomorrow’ campaign centres around aquatic infrastructure, flood mitigation and restoration, basin plan compensation and increased federal support grants.
Council is also encouraging residents to be involved with the advocacy, by sending a letter or email to Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell or Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters.
The advocacy areas are split into six priorities:
New pool for Rochester
“Aquatic facilities to replace the flood-demolished Rochester (War Memorial) pool to support recovery and enhance the health, wellbeing and social connectedness of Rochester.”
Following significant damage from the October 2022 flood event, council demolished the Rochester War Memorial Pool in late 2024 to prepare for a new site.
Co-payments between the Victorian, federal and local governments are sought, including $5 million from the Federal Government for the $12.5 million total.
Council hopes the new, modern facility will be a symbol of resilience, also providing physical and mental health benefits.
National aquatic infrastructure program
“Establishment of a national program for aquatic infrastructure to support the health, fitness and wellbeing of our communities.”
With 40 per cent of public pools in Australia reaching their functional lifespans by 2030, council is calling on the Federal Government to create a national program for their replacement and upgrade.
The need for investment is supported by a 2022 Royal Life Saving Australia Report, which also emphasises that regional areas rely on public pools.
Council highlights the value of pools for community safety, health and social participation.
Flood-damaged road repair
“Reconstruction of flood-damaged, critical road infrastructure to enable safe and efficient access to statewide waste facilities.”
Damage sustained during the October 2022 floods impacted critical roads, with two in particular remaining unsafe.
Davis Rd, Patho is located between Murray Valley Hwy and the Patho Landfill facility, is needing $4.3 million in upgrades to support the 50 heavy vehicles that use the narrow, flood-prone road each day.
Two Tree Rd, Carag Carag needs $5.5 million in repairs to rectify safety concerns about the unsealed, narrow road, the main access point to the Biomix Organics Composting facility, supporting 100,000 tonnes of compost and growing.
Flood mitigation
“A commitment to fund flood study mitigation measures to protect our communities from future floods caused by extreme weather.”
Stage two of the Echuca Moama Torrumbarry Flood Study and stage one of the Rochester Flood Study are in development.
Council wants the Federal Government to adopt mitigation measures recommended in the studies to protect communities in future flooding events.
Funding, like $1.08 million already committed for flood barriers in Rochester and $280,000 for portable flood pumps, is needed to minimise damage during disasters.
Basin Plan compensation
“Fair, direct and timely compensation to communities impacted by water purchasing as part of Basin Plan community adjustment packages.”
Council is asking for Federal Government compensation to residents negatively impacted by the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act 2023, or the ability to purchase water through the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Concerns for residents and business owners include job loss, business downturn and less social involvement.
In turn, Campaspe Shire Council wants to ensure fair compensation and financial investment by the Federal Government.
Increase in Financial Assistance Grants
“Restoration of Financial Assistance Grants to one per cent to support the financial sustainability of councils Australia-wide.”
Along with other councils, and backed by the Australian Local Government Association, Campaspe Shire Council is calling on the Federal Government to contribute one per cent of its taxation revenue to Financial Assistance Grants.
These grants provide funding for councils to use where needed, including for infrastructure, service delivery, investment and maintenance.
Since 1996, the Federal Government contribution of one per cent of taxation revenue has dropped to 0.5 per cent.
Mayor Daniel Mackrell reflected on the specific needs of Campaspe Shire Council, as well as the challenges councils Australia-wide faced.
He also highlighted the theme of water linking the priorities and the different ways council is impacted by this resource.
“As Australians look to the future with the upcoming federal election, so too Campaspe Shire Council is focusing on the bigger picture with the launch of our ‘Advocating for a brighter tomorrow’ campaign,” Cr Mackrell said.
“While water is the lifeblood of our communities, supporting lifestyles, business and industry, tourism and the nation’s food bowl, it can also have far-reaching negative impacts when external forces come into play.
“As such, water is a key theme in five of our six advocacy priorities, while the sixth focuses on the financial resilience of all councils.”
Campaspe Shire Council has created a video about the campaign, accessible at youtu.be/xybLUK0lZn0
To read the advocacy book, head to tinyurl.com/campaspeadvocacycampaign
A template to be completed and sent to Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell or Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters, can be accessed at tinyurl.com/campaspeadvocacytemplate
Cadet Journalist