Council
24 October, 2025
Alliance raises concerns with MPs
DROUGHT relief, road upgrades, housing, tourism investment and the removal of the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) were on the agenda when Corangamite Shire Council and fellow South West Victoria Alliance representatives visited Parliament House in Melbourne recently.
Mayor councillor Kate Makin, deputy mayor councillor Laurie Hickey, councillor Nick Cole, councillor Geraldine Conheady and chief executive officer David Rae travelled to the capital – along with representatives of Glenelg, Moyne, Southern Grampians and Warrnambool City councils, Deakin University and Wannon Water.
They were joined by Corangamite Shire industry representatives including Beach Energy’s Sharon Donovan, Bingham Agriculture’s Jill Bingham, Courthouse Camperdown’s Alison Byrne, Greencon’s James Green and Amplitude Energy’s Bindi Gove.
Cr Makin said the united advocacy effort was all about securing a fairer future for the community.
“The alliance hosted a panel discussion called ‘Laying the Groundwork for Growth’ for MPs, community leaders and others to drive home the importance of investment and support for the south west,” she said.
“It highlighted the pressing challenges facing south west Victoria – from drought and deteriorating roads to housing shortages, workforce skills gaps and energy reliability.
“South west Victoria punches above its weight in the Victorian economy.
“Drawing attention to challenges and opportunities facing our region, highlighted ways the government can help unleash the south-west’s full potential.”
During the two-day visit, the delegation spoke with key decision-makers including Treasurer Jaclyn Symes, Agriculture Minister Ros Spence and Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward.
They also met with Nationals Leader Danny O’Brien, Deputy Nationals Leader and Shadow Minister for Agriculture and for Mental Health Emma Kealy, Shadow Treasurer Jess Wilson, Shadow Local Government Minister Bev McArthur, Shadow Minister for Planning and Housing and for Tourism, Sport, Events and Hospitality Richard Riordan, Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell and Member for Western Victoria Joe McCracken.
The visit came a week after the alliance released its formal submission to the government ahead of next year’s Budget.
Its key request is for a $250,000 Drought Support Package per council across south west Victoria to provide urgent relief to farmers, small businesses and communities experiencing severe drought. The Alliance also called for an investment of $5 million to Visit Victoria to deliver a for a dedicated summer campaign promoting south west Victoria $50 million invested into road safety and productivity upgrades and a $2 million investment to deliver a comprehensive evaluation and plan for the region, identifying opportunities, gas and priorities before projects are rolled out.
The submission can be found at http://bit.ly/3L0Dc3l.
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