MRGC Welcomes Cr Stuart King as 2026 Chair

Cr Stuart King of Swan Hill Rural City Council will take on the role of Chair of the Murray River Group of Councils in 2026, adding to his mayoral responsibilities.

“The Murray River Group of Councils provides a powerful platform to speak with one strong regional voice, united by the critical issue of water security. As Chair, I see a real opportunity to further strengthen collaboration and ensure the voices of our northern Victorian communities are clearly heard.”

 “I’m looking forward to working closely with my fellow Mayors to continue strong, united advocacy on behalf of these communities,” Cr King said.

“It’s essential our voice is heard. The Murray River Group represents 21 per cent of Victoria and, with an economy driven by food production worth more than $8 billion, we are a key part of the State economy and a vital food bowl for the nation.

“Our number one priority is the Basin Plan, protecting our unique river and floodplain environments while ensuring irrigation water security that underpins our agricultural production and high-quality local food.”

Cr King said the Group would also advocate strongly in the lead-up to the Victorian State Election for funding for the major projects that matter most to regional communities.

“A priority close to my heart is a new bridge at Swan Hill, which is the Murray River Group’s top priority for new river crossings,” he said.

“This project is critical to improving safety, connectivity and economic opportunity across the region, and I will continue working to ensure it remains firmly on the State Government’s agenda.”

Other shared priorities include improved road funding, community infrastructure such as swimming pools, enabling infrastructure for new housing, improving digital connectivity and support for the visitor economy along the Murray.

Cr King thanked 2025 Chair, Cr Dan Straub of Loddon Shire, for his leadership and contribution to the Group.

“Dan has worked tirelessly to ensure the voice of northern Victoria is heard. I look forward to building on this work, particularly as we continue to focus on water policy and the issues that matter most to our communities ahead of the State Election. It is great that Dan is still part of the Group this year” Cr King said.

In addition to his new role, Cr King is an active committee member of Rural Councils Victoria, working with councils across the state to address shared rural and regional challenges and pursue opportunities for growth and innovation.

Cr King is deeply committed to the region, driven by a strong sense of responsibility to deliver essential services, support economic growth and create jobs to ensure local communities continue to thrive into the future.