Gippsland › Latest news › Baw Baw Local News
Michael Leaney Deputy Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Council re-elected as Chair of Peri Urban Councils of Victoria
Baw Baw Shire Council is pleased to announce Councillor Michael Leaney's re-election as Chair of Peri Urban Councils of Victoria, with Cr Moira Berry as Deputy Chair.
Baw Baw Shire Council is delighted to announce that Councillor Michael Leaney has been re-elected as Chair of the Peri Urban Councils of Victoria (PUCV), marking a significant vote of confidence in the leadership and direction of the organisation. Joining Cr Leaney in re-election is Deputy Chair Cr Moira Berry of Moorabool Shire Council. Peri Urban Councils Victoria comprises five member councils including the Bass Coast Shire Council, Baw Baw Shire Council, Golden Plains Shire Council, Moorabool Shire Council, and Surf Coast Shire Council.
Cr Michael Leaney, Deputy Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Council was elected as Chair with Cr Moira Berry, Councillor of Moorabool Shire Council taking up the role of Deputy Chair
PUCV leadership impact
Under their leadership, PUCV has been at the forefront of a national dialogue on urban growth, spearheaded by the commissioning of the landmark report "Managing Urban Growth in the Peri Urban Area" by Hansen Partnership. This report has played a pivotal role in shaping discussions around urban planning, management, and funding across the country.
Cr Leaney reflected on the challenges and opportunities ahead and said he looked forward to working with representatives from the four other member council's. "The peri-urban regions surrounding Melbourne and Geelong are among the fastest-growing in the country. It's imperative that we proactively invest in these areas to manage urban sprawl effectively and preserve the unique lifestyle and character that define our communities."
Looking forward to 2024, PUCV is set to take an active role in shaping the new National Urban Policy, Plan Victoria, as well as participating in the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into food supply in peri-urban areas.
Peri-Urban advocacy efforts
These initiatives underscore PUCV's commitment to advocating for better planning mechanisms, targeted funding for connectivity, placemaking, tourism, and transport to support the sustainable growth of peri-urban regions like Baw Baw Shire.
Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of collective advocacy for the needs of peri-urban regions like Baw Baw Shire. "Regions like ours face unique pressures. Securing targeted funding and advocating for policies that will let us address the challenges of rapid population growth are so important to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in our shire," said Cr McCabe.
As a highly experienced councillor and former Mayor of Baw Baw Shire, Cr Leaney has a deep understanding of the issues we are tackling. I've no doubt the PUCV will continue to do invaluable work for peri urban regions under the leadership of the current board." In the coming weeks, Cr Leaney will lead a PUCV delegation to Canberra, seeking to secure a better deal for peri-urban communities.
Pictures from Peri Urban Council Victoria website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Community feedback wanted for the Wellington Shire Draft Budget 2024/25 by 29 May 2024
Appreciation to Bairnsdale volunteers for their support during Gippsland Rotary Centenary House fundraiser extended by Darren Chester
Baw Baw residents will get new purple-lidded glass bins collected separately every four weeks to better recycling process from October 2024
Exhibition by artist Matthew Bagley is captivating journey into ocean conservation at Berninneit Art Gallery
Outward Bound Australia praised by Darren Chester for their effort to revitalise Gippsland outdoor education
Penny Glover from Guthridge Primary School presented with John Printz OAM Award in front of a huge crowd at Sale Memorial Hall
Upgrades to Kalimna Hill trail in Lakes Entrance prioritises safety and accessibility for walker
Baw Baw Shire Council funds 28 community groups total of $105,303 from Community Grants Program
Free Masterclass sessions to promote safe and sustainable community events in Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale over May 2024