The Peri Urban Group of Rural Councils has called on the Federal Government to direct funds towards improving the key roads and bridges along with mobile and internet access across the Victorian peri urban region in their 2015/16 Budget.
Responding to a call for Pre-Budget Submissions from the Treasurer, Joe Hockey MP, the Peri Urban Group of Rural Councils has submitted two proposals to the Federal Government aimed at supporting the sustainable growth of the peri urban region.
The proposals request the Federal Government to direct infrastructure funds towards a region building program of fixing rural roads and bridges and also black spot issues for mobile phone coverage and to address the poor internet access in many areas.
Chair of the Peri Urban Group of Rural Councils, Councillor Murray Cook of Baw Baw Shire Council said the group recognises the budgetary constraints facing the Federal Government and are seeking a redistribution of existing program funds towards the region for a short period.
“For too long, there has been an inequitable emphasis on cities and fast growing metropolitan Council areas over regional and rural areas.
“This has been acknowledged by the Federal Government and yet until now, nothing has been done to address the situation.
“We would like to see a change of focus from the Federal Government, to recognise that Australians living and operating businesses on the doorstep of our metropolitan areas should have access to decent roads, bridges that can accommodate trucks and mobile phone coverage for leisure and for emergencies.
“These areas are growing rapidly and are highly attractive to people seeking affordable homes and lifestyle properties within commuting distance to capital and regional cities.
“Sadly, mobile and internet coverage across parts of the Victorian peri urban area is almost non-existent and we have agriculture and industry competing with residents for access to roads and bridges that were built during the gold rush to be used by a horse and buggy.”
The seven Councils of the Peri Urban Group of Rural Councils manage a total of 22,000 kilometres of roads and bridges and significant investment is required to improve the condition of many roads, replace aging wooden bridges and to facilitate the safe movement of high performance trucks throughout the region.
“We have an opportunity right now to invest in local projects that will create jobs and support stronger local economies.
“These projects are an opportunity to position the peri urban regions to flourish and capture the opportunities of industry expansion, exports and a smart economy through fast internet speeds.”
