Victorian Labor MPs will meet in Bendigo on Thursday and Friday for the party’s biannual regional caucus, planning their approach to the next sitting of parliament. 

Mayor Margaret O’Rourke said the visit was a chance to remind the government ahead of next year’s state election about the needs of the Bendigo community.   

She listed the Marong Business Park proposal currently before planning minister Richard Wynne as an issue in need of caucus attention.

She also wanted support for a Bendigo “gov hub” that would see government services housed inside one facility and make it possible for more agencies to be headquartered in the city.   

While shortcomings at Bendigo’s law courts were recognised in the 2016-17 state budget, with $3.9 million set aside to plan for future demand pressures, it was still a priority issue for residents, Cr O’Rourke said. 

“Knowing that there's a state election next year, we're eager to keep having conversations about that.” 

Bendigo East MP Jacinta Allan said the caucus meeting was more about her colleagues getting acquainted with issues to arise during the winter break than preparing for next year’s vote. 

However, the transport minister said Bendigo residents could this week expect to be the beneficiaries of government announcements

Ms Allan’s party dominated voting in parts of central Victoria at the last election with Labor not only winning Bendigo East and Bendigo West, but also nearby electorates Macedon and Wendouree. 

Also among the high-priority projects named by the Bendigo mayor was funding for a new Chinese dragon to replace retiring Sun Loong.

The state and federal governments have both been called upon to deliver $250,000 towards the Bendigo Easter parade attraction. 

Golden Dragon Museum general manager Anita Jack said she was hopeful fundraising efforts for dragon Dai Gum Loong would win government support.  

“We have been liaising with representatives from the government about the project and we look forward to any future support from the Victorian government towards the dragon,” Ms Jack said.

Premier Daniel Andrews said he was happy to be bringing Labor MPs to Bendigo, "a great regional city buzzing with culture and creativity”. 

“The conference will focus on jobs, schools, hospitals and keeping our communities safe – issues I know matter to the people of Bendigo,” the premier said.