A Moorabool councillor made a splash in parliament as part of a delegation representing peri-urban councils in Victoria.
A delegation representing Peri Urban Councils Victoria (PUCV) headed to Canberra on Monday 27 October, discussing issues of importance to peri urban councils – including government support to open more land for housing.
Moorabool councillor and PUCV chair Moira Berry – donning pool floaties, a swimhat, and goggles – also took the opportunity to thank the federal government for its funding commitment towards the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre.
Beside the aquatic-themed gesture, the delegation advocated on behalf of peri urban councils – which Cr Berry said are marked by a distinctive mix of urban, rural, and conservation land uses within their boundaries.
“We maintain infrastructure service delivery characteristics that differ substantially from both metropolitan and rural areas,” Cr Berry said.
“The peri urban councils have a limited rate base in a rate-capped setting, reduced borrowing capacity, and we have additional responsibilities for water and drainage and underfunded developer contribution plans.”
The delegation discussed proposals for two funds – the ‘Developer Contributions Plan Future Fund’ which would be a $90 million loan towards enabling land to build new homes, covering infrastructure assets such as sewerage, drainage, and power – which Cr Berry said peri urban councils can not afford to cover with their rate bases.
The second pitch was a $230 million Capital Investment Fund for community infrastructure, including parks, fences, and libraries in peri-urban council areas.
The delegation also visited Spring Street earlier in the month to advocate at the state government level.
