- Published:
- Wednesday 28 June 2017
Representatives of the local community, industry and the Andrews Labor Government will come together tomorrow for the second annual Regional Assembly in Swan Hill.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford said the Assembly was an important opportunity to discuss the future of the region, its priorities, and the Labor Government’s ongoing partnership with Mallee communities.
Last year’s inaugural Regional Assembly identified a range of priorities for the region, including better access to services, better communication with government, regional liveability, health and childcare services that better meet community needs, arts and tourism, and better transport and digital connections.
The Labor Government is backing a number of initiatives that came out of last year’s Assembly and ongoing work of the Mallee Regional Partnership, including:
- Support for the next stage of the Riverfront Development in Swan Hill
- A commitment to the creation of a shared community library at Robinvale Community Hub
- Improvements for regional roads and bridges, including the Calder Highway between Ouyen and Mildura
- An additional $600,000 for Koondrook as part of the $1.2 million Nature Based Trail
- A share in $45 million for the new Connecting Regional Victoria program, which will boost Wi-Fi, address mobile black spots and provide digital connectivity across Regional Victoria, including in the Mallee.
Tomorrow’s Regional Assembly is an opportunity to reassess and identify further priorities, and consult Mallee communities and businesses again, face-to-face.
Following the Assembly, a summary of discussions, ideas and recommendations will be published online and the Mallee Regional Partnership Chair Win Scott will present the community’s priorities to the Rural and Regional Ministerial Committee.
The Mallee Regional Assembly is the first of nine assemblies that will take place across the state over the next few months. Regional Victorians are encouraged to register and have their say at engage.regions.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“I’m excited to be in the Mallee this week to again listen to the local community and to make sure we are getting things right for this community.”
“We know that through listening and responding to the needs of people in the Mallee, from Buloke to Swan Hill and everywhere in between, that we will get the best results for locals and communities.”
Quote attributable to Mallee Regional Partnership Chair Win Scott
“It’s great to hear the community’s ideas first hand – the process is engaging and it encourages stimulating conversations.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
“This is another unique opportunity for locals to speak directly to government and help inform decision making.”