Media release: GBAC puts regional issues front and centre in talks with Minister for Local Government

Left to right: Cr Paul Tatchell, Cr Tanya Kehoe, Hon Nick Staikos MP, Cr Tracey Hargreaves, Cr Grace La Vella, Cr Owen Sharkey and Cr Don Henderson.

The Greater Ballarat Alliance of Councils (GBAC) met with the Minister for Local Government the Hon Nick Staikos MP, on Friday 27 June in Ballarat to discuss shared regional priorities and advocate for ongoing collaboration with the Victorian Government. 

Key items for discussion included financial sustainability, drought support, disaster recovery, waste and recycling standards, and the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy. 

GBAC Chair and City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said that the meeting was an opportunity to highlight the importance of regional partnerships and to work towards practical solutions that support the long-term viability of local government in the region. 

“We welcome the opportunity to meet with Minister Staikos to share our region’s priorities and explore how we can work together to support thriving, resilient communities,” Cr Hargreaves said.  

“Councils across our region are managing increasing demands with limited resources. Financial sustainability is a key concern and underpins our ability to deliver essential infrastructure and services which our communities rely on,” she said. 

“We’re committed to working collaboratively with the Victorian Government to ensure local government is well placed to support sustainable growth, economic development and liveability across our region,” she said. 

GBAC brings together six western Victorian councils, City of Ballarat, Central Goldfields Shire Council, Golden Plains Shire Council, Moorabool Shire Council, Pyrenees Shire Council and Hepburn Shire Council, to identify shared challenges and advocate for solutions that reflect the unique needs of regional and rural communities. 

For more information on GBAC and its advocacy priorities, visit www.gbac.org.au 

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Media Contact: GBAC Secretariat Premier Strategy, Louise Mossop, Phone: 0438566167