Independent Federal Member for Indi, Dr Helen Haines, hosted a Local Government Roundtable in Wangaratta recently, with roads, housing and natural disaster preparedness top of her agenda.

Twice a year, Dr Haines brings together the mayors and CEOs of all nine local governments in Indi to discuss shared challenges, funding opportunities and regional priorities.

“The electorate of Indi is a diverse region, stretching from Towong in the Upper Murray to the foothills just north of Melbourne in Strathbogie and Murrindindi shires. In between are the major regional centres of Mansfield, Benalla, Wangaratta and Wodonga,” Dr Haines said.

“While each community is unique, we all face common challenges such as ageing infrastructure, limited access to funding, and the increasing impact of climate change and natural disasters.

"Local governments deliver the services and infrastructure we rely on every day, and they are essential to making Indi such a great place to live and work.”

Dr Haines said regional councils too often face barriers to Commonwealth funding.

“The cost pressures on local government are significant, but the current state and federal funding models don’t always keep up. I will continue to be a strong voice in Canberra for our regional councils, pushing for fairer funding that doesn’t leave the regions behind.”

At the recent Roundtable, representatives from the Department of Transport briefed councils on the new 'Safer Local Roads' and Infrastructure program, which will provide $200 million annually for safer roads, bridges and rest stops.

“This program offers vital ongoing funding for local infrastructure.

“I want to see communities in Indi benefit, and I will continue supporting our councils as they navigate and apply for this funding.”

As a member of the Parliament’s Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, Dr Haines said she would also be advocating for strong recommendations in the Committee’s upcoming report on local government sustainability.