MP visit to Murrindindi Shire

05 March 2021

State Liberal Member for Eildon, Cindy McLeish together with Shadow Minister for Local Government, Tim Smith recently visited Murrindindi Shire Council to meet with acting CEO, Michael Chesworth and Mayor Sandice McAulay along with fellow councillors.

Ms McLeish said, “I was excited to bring Tim to Murrindindi Shire and for him to hear from the Mayor and councillors from a small rural council first hand. It provided the councillors an opportunity to discuss what projects are being developed and relay what’s important to the community.”

“It’s crucial to keep communication open”.

Mr Smith said, “It’s important to

stay connected to local government and work together. It was great to visit Murrindindi Shire and meet with Council members.”

“As Shadow Minister for Local Government, it is always important to understand the complexities and difficulties that small councils face including the ability to raise money and undertake large projects.”

Mayor of Murrindindi Shire, Sandice McAulay said the meeting was a useful one to talk about some challenges facing Murrindindi Shire and other small regional shires, including around funding sources, planning and development.

Mayor McAulay said, “One challenge in particular is that of how to respond to the increased interest we are seeing with people wanting to move to regional areas.”

“We need to ensure as small rural councils we are supported in doing the necessary strategic work around land planning and zoning so that we can be more flexible and responsive to changing circumstances. It was great to be able to talk through these important issues,” Mayor McAulay concludes.

(from left), Cr Damian Gallagher, Mayor Sandice McAulay, Shadow Minister for Local Government, Tim Smith MP, Cr Karine Haslam and State Member for Eildon, Cindy McLeish