With just a few weeks until early voting begins for the Victorian State Election, Swan Hill Rural City Council is reminding political candidates and parties of the region’s key priorities and the importance of securing investment in its future.
As the election draws closer and new candidates continue to emerge across the Murray Plains and Mildura electorates, Council is extending an open invitation to every candidate, regardless of political affiliation, to meet with Councillors and hear firsthand about the issues, challenges and opportunities facing local communities.
Mayor Cr Stuart King said Council had been working hard to build momentum and secure recognition of the region’s infrastructure and investment needs.
“We've spent months making sure our region's voice is heard, meeting with political representatives, raising awareness of our priorities and highlighting why investment in regional Victoria is so important.
“Now, with the election fast approaching, we're making one final push to ensure our communities aren't overlooked.
“We want every candidate standing in our electorates to understand what matters to our residents, businesses and industries, and the difference meaningful investment could make to the future of our region,” Cr King said.
Swan Hill Rural City Council has clearly highlighted a range of priorities, including a new Swan Hill Bridge, further investment in Swan Hill District Hospital, safer roads and intersections, housing, and the delivery of key riverfront and recreational infrastructure across the municipality.
Cr King said these priorities were about more than individual projects, they’re about supporting the long-term growth, liveability and economic prosperity of the entire region.
“Our region plays an incredibly important role in Victoria's economy, particularly through agriculture, manufacturing, transport and tourism, yet we continue to face significant infrastructure challenges.
“A new Swan Hill Bridge, for example, isn't just about replacing ageing infrastructure. It's about providing a safer, more reliable connection between Victoria and New South Wales, supporting freight movements and ensuring our industries can continue to grow.
“Likewise, investment in healthcare, housing and community facilities is essential to attracting and retaining families, workers and businesses in our region.
“These are not simply wish-list projects. They are important investments in the future of our communities,” he said.
Council has taken an innovative and proactive approach to advocacy, using a mix of creative campaigns, direct engagement with political candidates, media opportunities and community initiatives to ensure the region’s priorities are heard loud and clear.
Recent election commitments have demonstrated the value of keeping regional priorities in the spotlight, including the Coalition's $100 million commitment towards replacing the Swan Hill Bridge and Labor's commitment to return 100 per cent of mineral resource royalties to regional Victoria.
Cr King said while Council welcomed recent election commitments, there was still more work to be done to ensure communities across the entire municipality benefited from future investment.
“It's encouraging to see election commitments being announced across the region, but we're yet to see investment commitments that directly benefit Robinvale.
“Robinvale forms part of the Mildura electorate, we want to ensure Robinvale isn't overlooked,” he said.
Cr King reiterated that Council's doors remained open to all candidates.
“We welcome the opportunity to sit down with every candidate, share our priorities and discuss how we can work together to deliver positive outcomes for the people who live, work and invest in our region.”
With the election approaching, Cr King said Council's advocacy would not end when votes were counted.
“While the next few weeks are important, our advocacy doesn't stop on election day.
“Whoever forms the next government, we'll continue working constructively with our elected representatives, building partnerships and pushing for the investment our region needs.
“We've worked too hard and come too far to take our foot off the pedal now.
“Our message remains the same every community across our municipality deserves to be heard, and we won't stop advocating for our fair share,” he concluded.
Click here to find out more about Council’s key priorities!