Mayor Cr Laura Binks advocates for Strathbogie Shire in Canberra

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks has met with several politicians to advocate for funding at the recently held Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly (NGA).

“It was a fantastic opportunity to bring Council’s top five Advocacy Asks to various politicians in an array of portfolios,” Cr Binks said.

“I met with Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain, and discussed our top 5 advocacy asks, with particular focus on the need for increased and improved funding to repair our extensive road network.

“I raised Kirwan’s Bridge with Minister McBain and sought her support in providing critical funding for this iconic bridge so that residents can once again cross the Goulburn River and tourists can visit and experience this unique historic timber bridge in its full glory.”

Cr Binks also met with Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King MP where she again raised the top five asks as well as the ARTC project.

The returned Australian Council Local Government (ACLG), held for the first time in a decade, was a great chance for Cr Binks to hear directly from Federal Government ministers about their commitment to the Australian Local Government sector and how they will work with Councils to ensure they are delivering the projects and programs that are needed at the local levels we know so well.

“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke passionately about his genuine commitment to developing strong working relationships with local governments and trusting us to provide advice on what our community need.

“The dedicated Minister for Local Government and the ACLG provides an opportunity for local governments to have a voice at the Federal level.”

Cr Binks also met with Federal Member for Indi Dr Helen Haines MP in her office to again share Council’s advocacy asks.

“Helen and her team assisted Council in securing a number of meetings and her support was very helpful,” Cr Binks said.

Cr Binks said this was also the case with our other local minister Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell MP who hosted Cr Binks and also arranged meetings with many Shadow Ministers.

“Thank you to both Helen and Sam for their support,” Cr Binks said.

Among the Shadow Ministers Cr Binks met with were Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education, Youth Angie Bell MP to discuss Nature Based Playspaces and the need for more early childhood education spaces and educators in Strathbogie Shire; Shadow Minister for Water, Emergency Management Senator Perin Davey to discuss the Greening Euroa project; Shadow Minister Trade and Tourism Kevin Hodge MP to speak about the impacts of climate related natural disasters, such as the October flood, which has had a significant impact on the tourism industry, especially in the Nagambie region, and on local agriculture production and trade.

“I met with Shadow Minister Local Government Darren Chester MP and also shared our top 5 advocacy asks with him,” Cr Binks said.

“I also spoke of the need for a national standard of local government training for councillors that ensures elected representatives understand their role, responsibilities and are best equipped to advocate for their communities and to ensure the ongoing financial sustainability of their council organisations.”

For more information about the ALGA NGA, visit https://alga.com.au/events/national-general-assembly-2023/

Indigo Shire Council Cr Sophie Price, Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines and Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks.

Darren Chester MP, Mayor Cr Laura Binks and Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell.