Council
25 September, 2025
Shires set sights on strength in numbers
CORANGAMITE Shire Council will continue an alliance with other councils from across the region in a bid to deliver results for rural constituents.
Councillors voted at this week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council to enter into a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with the South West Victoria Alliance (SWVA).
The SWVA is an incorporated association comprising Corangamite Shire Council, Glenelg Shire Council, Moyne Shire Council, Southern Grampians Shire Council and Warrnambool City Council.
The report before council noted the SWVA would support council on coordinated advocacy and leadership on regional issues through a collective voice for south west Victoria to support better economic, social and environmental outcomes.
Cr Ruth Gstrein, as mover, said she believed there would be clear benefit in membership – particularly with a Victorian Election due to fall within the membership period.
“I think it’s really important we’re part of the South West Victoria Alliance,” she said.
“I think we’re stronger together and we can certainly get more bang for our buck, as Mr Rae (David, chief executive officer) said.
“We do need a contribution of about $30,000 but, in saying that, we look at regional priorities and so many of our issues, our opportunities and are challenges are the same – around housing, childcare, roads, access to funding and renewable energy projects.
“We’re seeing exactly the same thing so I think it’s good that we do partner with our neighbours – particularly with an upcoming State Election, I think we’ll certainly get more bang for our buck for our advocacy.
“I’m disappointed Colac-Otway Shire, up until this year, have been members – it is disappointing to lose them because they were another council that has very similar issues to those the rest of us face.”
The association of south west councils will support state and federal advocacy through a collective voice on issues such as childcare, housing, drought response, water security, roads funding, renewable energy and transport.
The collaboration could also be used to position SWVA members well highlighting a broad regional impact to leverage funding typically beyond the reach of individual councils.
The SWVA can also provide lines of communication between members to help identify shared opportunities and challenges which cross municipal boundaries.
Councillor Geraldine Conheady, as seconder, said there’s value in the alliance.
“I just think it’s a very valuable alliance because we have strengthened advocacy to have a broad regional impact,” she said.
“I think that’s where the value of the partnership lies.
“We’ve become more dependent on support from our neighbouring councils into the future.”
Corangamite Shire Council mayor councillor Kate Makin, who would be the representative member for the SWVA as mayor alongside Mr Rae as chief executive officer, said she felt membership was a great thing.
“Having a united voice, having a strong voice, goes a long way with advocacy,” she said.
“Nowadays you need to have a loud, strong and powerful voice.
“Usually a collective voice is better than a single council on their own so I think the alliance has a strong place to play.
“I look forward to the next 12-months and seeing what comes out of the alliance in relation to the election come November.”
The motion was carried unanimously.