Council Meets with Deputy Prime Minister on Advocacy Plans and Health
Published on 06 August 2019
Government collaboration for Brindabella Road, essential upgrades for key freight and haulage routes, and the recruitment and retention of medical professionals were key points of discussion when Snowy Valleys Council met with the Deputy Prime Minister in Canberra last week.
Snowy Valleys Council’s Mayor Cr James Hayes and Deputy Mayor Cr John Larter met with Hon. Michael McCormack MP, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development to seek support from the Government for further advancement on Council’s advocacy projects.
Mayor Cr Hayes said the meeting provided the opportunity to reinforce the Council’s advocacy projects at a federal level and ensure the Deputy Prime Minister had a good understanding of what is required.
“We asked for funding to undertake detailed assessments, surveys and designs, as the next stage in the upgrade of Brindabella Road, and also funding to fully construct the 10.6km high risk, unsealed section of the road,” said Cr Hayes.
Other areas of discussion included support from the federal Government for the prioritisation of transport infrastructure upgrades across the Snowy Valleys and the establishment of a plantation hub in the South West Slopes region.
Cr Hayes said the meeting with Mr McCormack was also an ideal opportunity to shine the spotlight on current issues like the rural GP shortages.
Council recently hosted a Regional Health Summit to explore opportunities for support and collaboration in securing the best health outcomes for the Snowy Valleys region.
“While we continue to work closely with our local stakeholders for immediate, sustainable solutions to attracting and retaining rural doctors, we are also committed to keeping the issues front and centre with both state and federal Government,” said Cr Hayes.
The Councillors also used the meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister to discuss the opportunity to establish a dedicated Aboriginal Health and Wellness centre in the Tumut Hospital redevelopment.
“Council is keen to explore this in partnership with the Government, given it is our responsibility to represent the interests of our entire community – it’s very early days,” said Cr Hayes.
“It was a positive meeting and I’m confident the Deputy Prime Minister has a good understanding of what is required and what is important to the continued prosperity and livability of our Snowy Valleys’ communities”, said Cr Hayes.