The Christmas Edition of the Peri Urban Newsletter

Hi reader, thanks for all you support in 2016. We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. See you again in 2017.

New Councillor Representative from Bass Coast

We would like to welcome Cr Pamela Rothfield, Mayor of Bass Coast Shire Council to the PUGRC. Cr Rothfield joins the fabulous group of Councillors we announced in the November edition of the newsletter.

Peri Urban Agriculture Discussion Paper

The Peri Urban Agriculture Discussion Paper has been developed over the last year, to encourage a dialogue with stakeholders and the community about the role and value of agriculture in the region. The Discussion Paper frames the key challenges the PUGRC has identified for agriculture in the region and poses questions to illicit further information from stakeholders and the community. …

Green light for Infrastructure & Economic Development Strategy

The Peri Urban Infrastructure and Economic Development Strategy has been given the green light after funding was secured from Rural Councils Victoria and a contribution from the PUGRC. The Strategy will identify the critical pieces of infrastructure and service improvements to support sustainable growth in the peri urban region, and ensure it is not left behind neighbouring, better funded areas. The …

All sheep & goats born in VIC will need electronic tags in 2017

From 1 January 2017, all sheep and goats born in Victoria will require an electronic identification tag, before leaving their property of birth. Each electronic tag is printed with a visually readable Property Identification Code (PIC) and serial number. The new rules also apply to people owning sheep and goats kept as pets, as well as: Persons owning and/or managing …

2017/18 Rate Cap and Changed Deadline for Exemption

The VIC Government has set the cap on Council rates at 2 per cent, matching the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2017-18. The 0.5% cut on rates will result in a $1 million shortfall in revenue across the Peri Urban region in 2017/18. The Minister for Local Government has extended the deadline for applying for a higher level of rate …

Latest report from Foodprint Melbourne

Foodprint Melbourne has released their latest research which reveals the following: As Melbourne grows to a population of 7- 8 million people by 2050, it will need at least 60% more food, but there will be less land available to produce it. Melbourne’s foodbowl currently has the capacity to meet around 41% of the city’s food needs, but this could …

National Transport Commission Discussion Paper

The National Transport Commission has released a discussion paper outlining six possible options to improve the productivity of volume-constrained vehicles. Five options would allow longer heavy vehicles to access more roads and one allows higher heavy vehicles to access more roads. Public submissions are invited on the discussion paper, and responses can be submitted online before 5pm on Friday 3 …

Building Better Regions Funding

The guidelines have been released for the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, which opens on 18 January. The Fund will provide $297.7 million over four years for regional community and infrastructure projects, and replaces the National Stronger Regions Fund. A refocus on funding means that smaller regional applicants will no longer compete with major capital city projects. A new …

Parliamentary Inquiry into VicRoads’ management of country roads

The Parliament of Victoria’s Legislative Council has announced that its Law Reform, Road and Community Safety Committee will be undertaking an inquiry into VicRoads’ management of country roads. This inquiry includes investigation of dismantling VicRoads and creating a specific country roads organisation and separate metropolitan roads body. The Hon. James Purcell, Member for Western Victoria moved this motion, and stated …

30 Year Strategy for Infrastructure Released

Infrastructure Victoria has released its 30-year strategy and options book. The Strategy recognises the Peri Urban region and reflects a number of priorities outlined in our three submissions to the process. Unfortinately they have still neglected to recognise agriculture and food security as a key priority for Victoria's future. Some of the changed recommendations include: • Intensify housing development in established …

ESC Growth Study

The Essential Services Commission has commenced preliminary work on a growth study. Th study is intended to assist the Commission to better understand the impacts of population growth on Councils, especially when assessing future Council higher cap applications that specify growth as the reason for needing additional funds. The ESC has met with a number of Growth Councils to discuss …

Consultation on Smart Cities and Suburbs Program

The Australian Government’s $50 million Smart Cities and Suburbs Program will support projects that apply innovative smart technology solutions to urban problems. The program will encourage collaborative initiatives involving local governments, the private sector, research organisations and not for profit bodies to improve the liveability, productivity and sustainability of Australian cities, suburbs and towns. The Assistant Minister for Cities and …

Government Changes to Support Farmers in Need

The Commonwealth Government has announced changes to the Farm Household Allowance (FHA) to make it easier for farmers in hardship to access the payment. The change to rules will enable up to $1.1 million in net water assets to be exempt from the FHA assets test. As a result of the change, water will be treated in the same way as …

Value Capture Advisory Paper Released by Infrastructure Australia

Infrastructure Australia has released the first paper in its new infrastructure Reform Series, titled 'Capturing Value: Advice on making value capture work in Australia'. The Advisory Paper supports the role of value capture in Australia and Infrastructure Australia (IA) have stated it should be regularly considered for all public infrastructure projects with the caveat, that it is important to be …

New VIC Government Authorities

A number of new Government entities are in the process of being established and some existing entities are taking on new roles. Some of these are as a result of election commitments, including the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) and Infrastructure Victoria (IV). Others, such as the Latrobe Valley Authority, are as a result of government recognition of new priorities and …

Consultation on Native Clearing Regulations

The Victorian Government has completed a review of the native vegetation clearing regulations. The outcomes of the review are detailed in the Review of the native vegetation clearing regulations – outcomes report. The review outcomes will be delivered through system changes, which include an amendment to the Victoria Planning Provisions (VPP) and an ongoing program for those actions that are …