Representing Gippsland local government councils at discussions with the federal government in Canberra were, from left, mayor of East Gippsland shire Tom Crook, deputy mayor South Gippsland Nathan Hersey, East Gippsland shire's Cr Mark Reeves, Baw Baw mayor Annemarie McCabe, Baw Baw's Cr Michael Leaney, Latrobe City's Cr Kelly O'Callaghan, Wellington shire mayor Ian Bye and mayor of South Gippsland Clare Williams.
Baw Baw Shire's mayor Annemarie McCabe and Cr Michael Leaney have pressed the shire's and local government's needs during a three-day visit to Canberra.
They were among more than 1200 from local government bodies Australia-wide that attended the Australian Local Government Association's general assembly and conference.
Cr McCabe described the trip as an important milestone for council's advocacy efforts as well as hearing what is happening across the sector and the future direction of the federal government.
It ensured the needs of Baw Baw Shire residents were highlighted and was a chance for the government to hear what better support council and the community could be receiving, she said.
Cr Leaney, who is chair of Peri-Urban Councils Victoria that represents fast growing municipalities on the fringe of the city took the opportunity to highlight issues facing regions like Baw Baw are front of mind and the unique challenges faced can be recognised and supported.
Vital community infrastructure, roads and recreation projects remain among Baw Baw's key advocacy priorities for funding and policy settings that secure our future and enable us to accommodate the growth that is occurring, he said.
In addition to the assembly and conference sessions Crs McCabe and Leaney discussed the most important issues for Baw Baw with Members of Parliament and government officials.
