Nine Councils Unite to prepare for major energy and mining projects

Nine Councils Unite to prepare for major energy and mining projects

Swan Hill Rural City Council has joined eight neighbouring councils to endorse an independent, evidence-based strategy aimed at preparing regional communities for the potential impacts of large-scale energy and mining projects.

The

Resource Ready: North-Western Victoria Energy and Mining Impact and Readiness Strategy

outlines the challenges and opportunities associated with proposed developments across the region, including workforce demand, housing shortages and infrastructure pressures.

Council's Mayor, Cr Stuart King said the Strategy is not about project approval.

"Local Government is not the planning authority or the decision maker for these such projects - those decisions and approvals are made at State and Federal level - but we do carry the local impacts of these developments. This is about ensuring our communities, agricultural sector and local way of life are protected as best we can - regardless of which projects proceed."

"We're not rolling out the red carpet for proponents - we're focused on protecting our communities and securing the best possible outcomes for our region."

"The Strategy highlights key challenges, including extremely low rental vacancy rates, workforce shortages, and growing pressure on roads, water and essential services. It also reinforces the need to safeguard agriculture, a major contributor to the regional economy," Cr King said.

Cr King said the Strategy, developed in partnership with councils across north-west Victoria, outlines key priority actions including infrastructure improvements, planning for worker housing, support for local businesses and strong advocacy for investment.

"Importantly, delivery of these actions will require significant State and Federal Government support," he added. "Energy and mining development is driven by government agendas, so they need to invest in the regions impacted."

The nine Councils will now use the Strategy to advocate for funding and resources to ensure the region is better prepared for future growth and change.

Does this strategy mean you are endorsing projects that aren't yet approved?

This strategy does not signal an endorsement of proposed projects. Doing this work is about ensuring that our council is fulfilling it's role in planning and preparing for the community. We want to ensure that we are aware of potential opportunities and impacts that may arise from this transition so we can do the work and advocacy needed now to ensure we are ready.

What guarantee do we have that any of this will come true?

There are still many unknowns in this space, however it is clear the State will push ahead with these major energy, transmission and mining projects in coming years. We cannot wait for each individual project to be approved before we start to seek what is needed for our communities. It is important that we prepare now so we are in the best position when these changes are enacted.

Why was the community not engaged in the development of this report?

We understand that there are many members of the community that are concerned about the likely impacts of energy, mining and transition projects and they want to ensure their voices are heard on these issues. This strategy is a planning tool and it is not focussed on community consultation. The strategy helps us to understand where we can focus advocacy efforts. Our councillors and our staff live and work in these communities. That's why rather than making decisions in Melbourne, the state needs to engage with these councils to get this process right.

Will this alliance dilute the advocacy needs for our local community given that councils aren't fully aligned on all issues?

By collaborating to develop this report and in our advocacy efforts we are both being more efficient and impactful. Combining our resources ensures we are getting the most value for the communities we serve. We also know that our combined efforts to ask for what our communities need creates more impact and a greater chance of being heard by key decision makers.

There may be issues that are more important for particular councils or where we don't 100% agree on priorities. Joining up our efforts now doesn't prevent us from engaging in individual advocacy in the future. We also know that on the big picture issues, we are aligned.

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