Peri Urban Councils endorse leadership team to tackle growth

Pictured above: Cr Moira Berry of Moorabool Shire Council (left) and Cr Michael Leaney of Baw Baw Shire Council.

Peri Urban Councils Victoria (PUCV) has re-elected its leadership team in a ringing endorsement of the board’s work resolving the issues caused by rapid population growth in the fast-growing fringe areas.

Cr Michael Leaney Councillor of Baw Baw Shire Council was elected as Chair with Cr Moira Berry Councillor of Moorabool Shire Council elected as Deputy Chair.

Last year, PUCV commissioned a landmark report by Hansen Partnership “Managing Urban Growth in the Peri Urban Area” and ignited a national conversation about the way urban growth is planned, managed and funded.

PUCV Chair Cr Leaney said “The peri urban regions surrounding Melbourne and Geelong are some of the fastest growing in the country.”

“The fast-growing fringe plays an important economic and social role in our state, but proactive investment is essential to manage urban sprawl and maintain the lifestyle and character of these growing communities,” Cr Leaney explained.

“In 2024, Peri Urban Councils Victoria’s will be taking an active role in shaping the new National Urban Policy, Plan Victoria and participating in the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into food supply in peri urban areas,” Cr Leaney said.

“We will be continuing our work advocating for better planning mechanisms to manage growth, in conjunction with targeted funding for connectivity, placemaking, tourism and transport,” Cr Leaney concluded.

In coming weeks Peri Urban Councils Victoria will be heading to Canberra to advocate for a better deal for peri urban communities.