Federal delegation overview
Peri Urban Councils Victoria (PUCV) returned to Canberra for a last visit for 2025 in late October to meet with government decision makers.
The visit was another opportunity for PUCV to discuss face-to-face the pressing policy and funding issues facing our rapidly-growing member councils, and was timed to complement budget deliberations that usually get underway in the new year.
Our delegation, led by Chair Cr Moira Berry, met with:
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government the Hon Catherine King;
Member for Corangamite Libby Coker;
Chair of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit and Special Envoy Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness Josh Burns;
the office of the Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Kristy McBain;
the office of Housing Minister, the Hon Clare O'Neil; and
the office of Communications Minister, the Hon Anika Wells.
The delegation advocated for more government support to open more land for housing so that member councils can help meet government housing targets. Its key asks are:
Funding to support liveability and amenity projects in peri urban communities; and
Funding for housing enabling infrastructure to ensure peri urban areas can continue to provide more homes for Victorians.
PUCV also wants to work with the federal and state governments to agree on a definition of the term ‘peri urban’ to ensure the needs of these municipalities are reflected in government policy.
From left to right: Surf Coast Shire Council Government Relations Manager Darryn Chiller, PUCV Chair Cr Moira Berry from Moorabool Shire Council, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King, Golden Plains Shire Council Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey and Golden Plains Council CEO Adam McSwain.
From left to right: Surf Coast Shire Council Government Relations Manager Darryn Chiller, PUCV Chair Cr Moira Berry from Moorabool Shire Council, Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker, Golden Plains Shire Council CEO Adam McSwain and Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey.