From our Chair, Christmas 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an incredibly productive and purposeful year for Peri Urban Councils Victoria (PUCV). Our member councils continue to grow rapidly and PUCV’s work has never been more important to shaping liveable, sustainable and well-supported peri urban communities.
Throughout 2025, our federal and state delegations provided valuable opportunities to engage decision makers directly on the challenges facing peri urban municipalities.
In Canberra and at Spring Street, we met with ministers, shadow ministers, members of parliament, advisers and senior officials to advocate for the investment and policy recognition our communities need.
We’ve also advocated for improvements to mobile connectivity across our communities particularly as they become holiday hotspots, with hundreds of thousands of summer visitors expected as the festive season begins. In our submission on the draft Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation Bill, we argued for policy reforms that reflect the lived experience and expectations of our communities.
As we look ahead to 2026, PUCV is preparing an ambitious advocacy agenda. We will return to both Spring Street and Canberra early in the new year as budget processes get underway. With the Victorian election scheduled for the end of next year, we also have an opportunity to deepen understanding of the role our councils play in shaping Victoria’s growth and future prosperity, and the challenges they face.
To our member councils, partners and supporters: thank you for your hardwork, collaboration and support throughout the year. You have helped to ensure PUCV remains a strong and united voice for peri urban communities.
I wish you, your families and your communities a Merry Christmas and a safe, restful New Year. I look forward to working with you again in 2026 as we continue to advocate for the people and places we proudly represent.
Kind regards
Cr Moira Berry
Chair, Peri Urban Councils Victoria