The accord sets out shared principles and co-ordinated strategies, aiming to support local businesses, attract investment and respond to region-wide challenges.
The shared principles in the accord focus on supporting local economic prosperity, collaboration between the councils and maintaining a regional perspective with a local focus.
The accord was created through council’s engagement with local industry leaders and community representatives, including from the Manufacturer’s Roundtable held in February.
Key priorities identified through the process included advocacy for infrastructure upgrades, workforce development and supporting regional manufacturing.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali welcomed the partnership, noting its importance in strengthening the region’s voice on key economic issues.
“By working together with our neighbouring councils, we are sending a clear message that regional prosperity requires a co-ordinated, strategic approach, especially when it comes to investment, manufacturing, infrastructure and job creation,” he said.
A key feature of the accord is a shared commitment to advocate in response to water buybacks, with council’s focus on preserving and creating jobs in affected communities.
“The manufacturing sector is the backbone of our regional economy, we must ensure it remains strong, competitive and sustainable in the face of growing national and global pressures,” Cr Sali said.
“This accord gives us a roadmap to achieve that.”
Cr Rod Schubert moved the motion that was carried unopposed to endorse the accord.
He said the accord’s purpose was for GSCC to “leverage its collective strengths with partner councils”, and “enable us to advocate effectively and deliver tangible economic outcomes to the region”.
Cr Anthony Brophy seconded the motion.
“We do this naturally anyway, but I think this is a more formalised way of going about it,” he said.
Cr Sam Spinks spoke against the motion, but didn’t vote against it, saying she supported it, but questioned whether it was a “relevant document”.
“It’s normal business for us to work well with our neighbours (of Moira and Campaspe),” Cr Spinks said.
“I wasn’t sure if a specific accord with two of our neighbours was going to be of any greater benefit than the important and good work that we already do.
“I hope that it does bring a strong alignment for the three councils, and that we can come together and achieve some good outcomes.”
Cr Geoff Akers said he thought the accord was an “important step”.
“They’re our two neighbours which we have the most in common with, so it will be good that when we have a shared need we can work together to look for an outcome and even advocate at times,” he said.
The accord was signed in March by Cr Sali, Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell and Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Graeme Emonson, and implementation will begin across the three councils.
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