June 18, 2014
Local Mayors and Chief Executive Officers have met in Canberra this week with Federal Member Darren Chester to discuss priority projects for Gippsland.
The Gippsland Local Government Network (GLGN) representatives, who advocate on behalf of the six Gippsland-based councils, were in Canberra for the annual Australian Local Government Association 2014 National General Assembly.
After meeting various ministers, the council representatives sought support and advice on key government policies from Mr Chester.
“The main topics of discussion included roads funding, mobile phone black spots, access to faster internet, energy costs and the indexation of Financial Assistance Grants,” Mr Chester said.
“The Federal Government has a clear focus on strengthening regional communities and has announced many projects which will deliver significant benefits to Gippsland, such as the $2.1 billion Roads to Recovery program, $100 million to eliminating mobile phone blackspots and the $1 billion National Stronger Regions fund.
“I will continue to work hard to make sure Gippsland receives it fair share of these funding allocations.”
Mr Chester said it was a great support to have council representatives in Canberra promoting Gippsland’s strengths and future vision.
“It is important that Gippsland issues are well known to government ministers and staffers so that they are fully considered in the context of policy making and funding decisions,” Mr Chester said.
“I am continually promoting our region’s achievements and assets, but it is great support to have local government representatives in Canberra flying the Gippsland flag and lobbying to make our communities stronger.”
CAPTION: Among those to attend the meeting with Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (back, centre) were Cr Scott Rossetti, Mayor Wellington Shire Council and Chair of GLGN; Cr Sharon Gibson, Mayor Latrobe City Council; John Mitchell, Acting CEO Latrobe City Council; Paul Buckley, CEO Bass Coast Shire; Mark Reeves, Mayor East Gippsland Shire, Steve Kozlowski, CEO East Gippsland Shire; and Cr Murray Cook, Mayor Baw Baw Shire Council.
