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East Gippsland Shire Council promotes priorities to regional candidates in lead up to federal 2022 election

East Gippsland Shire Council's advocacy priorities brought for discussions with the region's federal candidates.

By news@gippsland - 3rd May 2022 - Back to News

East Gippsland Shire Council's advocacy priorities are being brought to the forefront of discussions with the region's federal candidates for the seat of Gippsland this month, in the lead up to the 21 May election.

Advocacy Strategy provides a prioritised set of initiatives to focus our efforts on delivering the community's priorities

Issues to be discussed

High on council's list of advocacy priorities for the federal government are issues such as:

• Mitchell River Bridge duplication
• Digital connectivity
• National disaster recovery reform
• Resilient housing stock in bushfire-prone areas
• Rezoning of industrial land in Lakes Entrance
• Provision of youth services and active ageing

Other issues that are needed to be discussed are:

• Homelessness
• Bushfire recovery
• Climate change mitigation
• Regional performing arts centre
• Reform of asset management programs

Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said their list of advocacy and partnership priorities are based on the adopted advocacy priorities of council. "Our advocacy priorities include a set of initiatives which are outlined for a point in time for us, as a council, to focus our efforts on delivering the community's priorities," Cr Reeves explained.

"I'm pleased to report that so far, we've been able to deliver on a number of these priorities since we adopted our strategy late last year. These include securing funding for the upgrade of the Bairnsdale Aerodrome, support for our bushfire recovery services and community resilience projects, and the Buchan Recreation Reserve upgrade." Cr Reeves added.

Council's strong efforts

Cr Reeves said advocacy on behalf of the community was an important role for council. "We have successfully advocated for the development of an agricultural training hub at Gippsland Agriculture Group site near the Bairnsdale Airport. We also welcome recent positive announcements that will support an increase in public housing."

"Our advocacy efforts are strong throughout the year. An election provides more opportunities to explain our community's priorities and seek support accordingly and we're delighted to be able to meet with Gippsland candidates ahead of the election," Cr Reeves said.

Progression and sustainability

Cr Reeves said he's confident the process will help candidates and government representatives identify issues of concern to East Gippsland residents and highlight evolving community needs. Council has about 35 advocacy priorities which are all, in their own way, vital to the progression and sustainability of our region's communities.

These priorities fall under the Council Plan 2021-25 themes of 'Our Communities', 'Our Place', 'Our Environment', 'Our Economy' and 'Our Council'. "We will continue to represent our communities at federal and state government levels; identifying issues, seeking support and forming proactive strategies and partnerships to help us deliver the community's priorities."

Read the Advocacy Strategy on council's website for more information.

Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com