Colac Otway reaffirms its commitment to the Barwon Regional Partnership
October 26, 2017
Colac Otway Shire Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the Barwon Regional Partnership – a forum that advises government on regional priorities.
In backing Council’s involvement in the program, Mayor Chris Potter said the partnership was an important communication channel with the State Government.
“The Barwon Regional Partnership was set up by the State Government to bring together people from the community, industry and government to discuss and debate the region’s top priorities,” Cr Potter said.
“Increasingly, governments want councils to be more strategic and regionally focussed, so it makes sense to work with our neighbours to agree on our priorities.”
Cr Potter said that while Council worked very effectively as part of the G21 Alliance to establish regional priorities, the partnership provided connections up through State Government departments to Cabinet for specific projects.
“All councils within the state participate in Regional Partnerships, and we believe the community would be at a disadvantage in promoting priorities if we weren’t part of these forums,” he said.
“There are significant benefits to being coordinated with our advocacy – the power of putting a project before the State Government with Colac Otway, Surf Coast, Geelong and Queenscliffe’s support behind it can’t be understated.
“At last night’s Council meeting a majority of councillors supported our ongoing involvement with the Barwon Regional Partnership.
“We look forward to forging a close and productive relationship with this forum and strongly representing the needs of Colac Otway as a united group to government.”
Under a recommendation adopted by Council at its October meeting, Council will seek regular briefings from the Barwon Regional Partnership on its progress against priorities.
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