Brimbank leaders were among western suburbs officials who travelled to Canberra to lobby for co-ordinated investment in infrastructure across Melbourne’s west.
Brimbank mayor John Hedditch and interim chief executive Helen Morrissey joined a LeadWest delegation to advocate a “city deal” to federal politicians and their representatives.
The “city deal” for the west involves a co-ordinated plan of investment between local, state and federal governments.
Cr Hedditch described the trip as a worthwhile exercise to take the needs of Melbourne’s west to the nation’s capital.
“We wore out quite a bit of shoe leather visiting a number of federal ministers from all sides of the fence, making sure they understood the enormous growth that we face in Melbourne’s west,” Cr Hedditch said.
“We’ve put forward an innovative set of policies and projects that will help to meet the needs of this future growth, and we’ll be following up with the federal government.”
He said the delegation found there was a profound lack of knowledge about the fast-changing nature of issues facing Melbourne’s west.
The LeadWest proposals included an airport rail link, energy projects and a centre of parenting excellence.
Cr Hedditch said he and others on the Canberra trip met representatives from the prime minister’s office, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation, Angus Taylor.
“It was a successful start,” he said. “Melbourne’s West is definitely on the government radar now, and the western region councils will develop further advocacy to ensure the western region gets its fair share.
“We’ve made our case to the government and been asked to provide some more information, which we will do. It’s definitely a successful start to getting the west the support it needs to support regional growth.”
LeadWest’s written submission outlining the city deal included a request for $50,000, or equivalent support, to conduct a study and develop a formal proposal.
