General News
28 September, 2023
Shire attends Roads Congress
FOUR Corangamite Shire Council representatives travelled to Canberra for the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National Local Roads and Transport Congress recently.
FOUR Corangamite Shire Council representatives travelled to Canberra for the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National Local Roads and Transport Congress recently.
Shire director works and services Brooke Love said this year’s event focused on building communities which are ‘Safer, Stronger, Smarter’.
“The conference allowed local government road and transport professionals and councillors the opportunity to hear from industry experts and counterparts on current issues and challenges, emerging
trends as well as an opportunity to contribute to discussions on ALGA policy direction and advocacy efforts,” she said in her report to council.
“The Roads Congress is an important event for Corangamite Shire and provided council an opportunity to elevate the shire and its priorities to the federal level.”
Shire mayor Ruth Gstrein, along with councillors Laurie Hickey and Kate Makin, and Mrs Love attended the conference in September.
Mrs Love said the 2023 ALGA National Local Roads and Transport Congress provided an opportunity for representatives from Corangamite Shire to hear and gain insights from decision makers within the industry.
“Valuable knowledge was also gained from discussions around the council’s role in future challenges and opportunities,” she said.
“This congress provided an opportunity for input from delegates with regard to the ALGA policy and advocacy direction and federal budget.”
Topics covered at the conference included sustainable infrastructure, road funding, asset management, heavy vehicle access, disaster recovery, climate ready infrastructure, road safety, waste and recycling.
Cr Gstrein said the congress was “valuable” for council.
“It was a really good roads congress this year,” she said.
“I think last year became very technical and probably was just a little bit above my head but this year was exciting, particularly incorporating the topics of climate change as well as waste.
“It was really valuable.”