The Murray River Group of Councils will be heading to Canberra to advocate for local solutions to national problems.
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Some of the most critical issues facing regional Australia will be raised by the Murray River Group of Councils at the nation’s premier local government forum. One of them? Swimming pools.
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The Murray River Group, made up of Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Loddon, Campaspe and Moira shire councils, has had seven motions accepted for discussion by the National General Assembly of the Australian Local Government Association, set to be held in Canberra from June 24 to 27.
This year’s theme is National Priorities Need Local Solutions, and the Murray River Group has focused on seven key areas.
Local pools will benefit from this year’s National General Assembly.
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Megan Fisher
The National General Assembly will call on the Federal Government to establish a dedicated national fund to support local government and encourage public swimming pool upgrades.
The initiative aims to provide financial assistance to local councils for the repair, replacement and upgrading of ageing public swimming pool facilities.
“The 1956 Olympics left a legacy of swimming pools across Australia that left an indelible impression on our national identity,” Murray River Group chair and Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub said.
“But these pools are reaching the end of their effective lives and many require urgent investment, while local government has for many years now wrestled with unaffordable running costs and ongoing maintenance.”
The National General Assembly will also call on the government to provide an additional road maintenance and restoration fund, allowing local councils to catch up on road and bridge repair backlogs faced by councils across the country.
“Despite increases in the Roads to Recovery federal funding, long-term consistent underfunding of local government means that there is a significant backlog of road maintenance across the country affecting safety and productivity,” Cr Straub said.
Other main points include:
Housing
Energy
Water
Resilient infrastructure
Financial assistance grants
For more information, visit the Murray River Group of Councils’ website, mrgc.com.au
