MRGC takes advocacy to Canberra for National General Assembly

Tuesday, 1 July 2025

The Murray River Group of Councils (MRGC) has continued its strong advocacy on behalf of northern Victorian communities in taking its message to Canberra last week, with seven motions to the National General Assembly of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) supported by delegates.

MRGC Chair, Cr Dan Straub, said the result reflected the strength of regional collaboration and the common sense approach to the solutions MRGC put forward to the challenges facing northern Victorian communities.

“This is a great endorsement of our advocacy as a united group of councils,” Cr Straub said. “We spoke with one voice on some of the big issues facing our communities and I am pleased to say our message was heard loud and clear.”

The Group also advocated directly to the Federal Minister for Local Government, Regional Development and Emergency Management the Hon. Kristy McBain MP.

“We were grateful Minister McBain met with us and she clearly listened and heard these key challenges facing our Councils,” said Cr Straub.

The motions, developed by MRGC member Councils and presented by Loddon Shire on their behalf, tackled critical issues including housing shortages, road and infrastructure repair and resilience, local government financial sustainability, energy transition impacts, swimming pool upgrades, and water reform in the Murray-Darling Basin.

Cr Straub said the success of all seven motions showed the clear alignment between MRGCs regional priorities and national concerns.