Corangamite Shire has laid out the funding priorities it will take to the Federal and State governments in the next 12 months.
Mayor Ruth Gstrein said Council’s advocacy would focus on the two key pillars of the Shire’s economy: agriculture and tourism.
“Both are predicted to grow astronomically over the coming decades and significant investment is needed to build a foundation that will sustain that growth,” Cr Gstrein said.
“That includes strengthening our roads to carry the heavy vehicle traffic bringing in farm supplies and taking out our dairy, grain and livestock to market.
“We will be advocating for $310M over the next 10 years to bring the roads that are vital to our dairy industry up to scratch. It’s a reasonable investment for an area that produces a significant amount of national and export supply.
“We will also seek $8.3M for Darlington Road to bring in farm supplies and carry farm produce to market. Eleven kilometres of the road needs improvement to meet National Performance-Based Standards.”
Council will also seek $30M for infrastructure to enable future investment and development at the Camperdown Industrial Precinct.
“Corangamite is already home to large scale iconic food processors, like Fonterra at Cobden producing Western Star butter,” Cr Gstrein said.
“The Camperdown Industrial Precinct will build on recent investment by Camperdown Dairy in a new production facility on Depot Road. It will open up opportunities for other complementary or supply chain businesses, creating jobs and cementing our position as a dairying region of national significance.
“Improved connectivity is also a high priority for its importance in emergency management, tourism, agricultural innovation and liveability.
“Fixing mobile phone blackspots in Noorat and Port Campbell and upgrading the NBN in Simpson and Port Campbell are essential for keeping our residents safe and allowing businesses to compete in an increasingly online environment,” Cr Gstrein said.
The Great Ocean Road region has been hit harder than any other region during the coronavirus pandemic with a significant impact on residents’ livelihoods,” Cr Gstrein said.
“We will be lobbying for $15 million to revitalise the tourism economy in our region. That will involve a comprehensive plan including travel vouchers, interstate marketing, a major winter event and promotion of the Twelve Apostles cycling and food artisan trails.”
Securing VLocity train services and establishing a green hydrogen energy industry are also among Council’s priorities for future-proofing the Shire.
Cr Gstrein said important community assets were are also on the agenda.
“We will be seeking $3M to implement the Theatre Royal masterplan and $1.5M to upgrade Skipton Recreation Reserve.”
Residents can learn more about the Council’s priorities here.
