Mayor Elected Co-Deputy Chair Of PUGRC

Media Release

Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Helena Kirby was elected Co-Deputy Chair of the Peri Urban Group of Rural Councils (PUGRC) for the 2020/21 term, at the group’s meeting on Friday 11 December.

Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Brett Tessari was elected Chair of PUGRC and Baw Baw Shire Cr Joe Gauci was elected Co-Deputy Chair of PUGRC for 2020/21.

The Peri Urban Group of Rural Councils (PUGRC) is an alliance of six councils with fast-growing populations that are located bordering major cities: Golden Plains Shire, Bass Coast, Baw Baw Shire, Moorabool Shire and Surf Coast Shire. Golden Plains Shire Council is a founding member of PUGRC.

The peri urban region is a key part of Victoria’s population growth response outside of Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo; and the PUGRC is a leader in advocating for support and solutions for the Victorian peri urban region, at the local, state and national level.

In June 2020, after more than a year of active lobbying, the PUGRC achieved its significant lobbying goal of acceptance of all PUGRC member councils into the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF) program. The GSF was established by the Victorian Government in 2015 to fund community infrastructure projects in 10 fast-growing council areas of Melbourne.

In September 2020, Golden Plains Shire Council secured its first funding commitment from the GSF: $271,032 for the Golden Plains Shire Youth Hub project, which will see the redevelopment and relocation of a Council portable office into a vibrant facility that will provide inclusive, innovative and accessible programs and services for young people in a growing community.

Mayor Kirby says she is honoured to accept the leadership role with PUGRC and she looks forward to a busy year, advocating for greater investment in peri urban councils.

“As peri urban councils, we face a unique set of challenges and opportunities and it’s important our group of rural councils work together to ensure the appropriate investment in our municipalities.

“The Peri Urban Group of Rural Councils is a valuable strategic partnership and I look forward to working with the member Mayors and CEOs to further our advocacy and lobbying successes.

“Golden Plains Shire has significant population growth in the north and the south, with many people relocating from Ballarat and Geelong. Being on the doorstop of two major regional cities, we need to actively seek State Government investment to ensure our existing and new residents have quality community facilities and services that keep pace with our growing communities.”

COUNCIL'S PARTNERSHIPS

Rate this page

Is this page useful?