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Shires go for united voice with Memorandum of UnderstandingWellington Shire Council is set to sign a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with East Gippsland Shire, highlighting the commitment of both to work closely together on issues of common interest. By Wellington Shire Council - 23rd March 2005 - Back to News East Gippsland Shire Councillors endorsed the agreement at their meeting last night (22 March), with Wellington Councillors due to do likewise at their next Council Meeting on 5 April.
The MoU commits the two councils to work closely together to advance the economic, social and environmental development of both shires. A key element will be speaking with a united voice where appropriate on issues of mutual interest and advocating vigorously – particularly in relation to strategic matters of importance to the region.
This agreement is a natural step for the councils to take given that they already meet informally several times a year to discuss issues of mutual concern or interest. They are also both members of a number of regional bodies including the Gippsland Local Government Network, Gippsland Regional Waste Management Board, Timber Towns and South East Australian Transport Strategy Inc.
Said Wellington’s Mayor Peter Gault: "This MoU is great news for Wellington and East Gippsland. It’s an obvious move to make given all that we have in common and the importance of standing together to promote and protect the interests of this eastern corner of Victoria.
"As two of the state’s largest shires, combined we account for nearly 15% of Victoria’s total land area and can boast a major slice of the state’s most productive farmland, significant commerce and industry, and some of the most beautiful coastline and inland scenary anywhere in Australia. This MoU is therefore significant in boosting the effectiveness of this area in lobbying the Victorian and Federal Governments and other agencies.
"We look forward to a very fruitful and productive relationship with East Gippsland Shire council through this agreement."
Also welcoming the MoU, East Gippsland’s Mayor Jane Rowe said: "Although not legally binding, the Memorandum commits both Councils to use their best endeavours to work collaboratively towards the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the region," she said.
"In the two municipalities there are a number of unique issues and when necessary we can come together with a united voice on a 'sub-regional' basis.
"The most recent example of this cooperation was the issue of alpine grazing, where East Gippsland and Wellington Shire Council joined with other neighbouring municipalities to support sustainable grazing in the high country."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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