The Loddon Campaspe region is unique in Australia as it has a regional city – Bendigo positioned in the centre of the region and the State and within 150 km of an internationally great city – Melbourne. The recent announcement of Qantas flights to Sydney is another step towards Bendigo performing as a great regional city.
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As Regional Partnership Chair, I have seen State, federal and six local governments collaborate to advocate for priorities which the community has identified as in everyone’s common interest. This makes the region as a whole more prosperous. Examples of regional projects from Echuca to Maryborough, Gisborne and Heathcote include – Healthy Heart, a coordinated program to improve lifestyle health, Early Years – a focus on early years language skills, an economic statement which presents priorities for the economy. These regional projects work on our own regional priorities and they will have impact because they work across the region from Boort to Romsey.
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All local governments in our region benefit from a strong “regional capital”. They thrive when Bendigo thrives. So, flights to Sydney are good for everyone in the region, Bendigo hospital works with health services throughout the region and the universities which are located in Bendigo provide education for students all over the region. Bendigo has changed in the time I have lived here from a country town to an important regional city.
Our city is envied by other regions, and we have plans to ensure the city remains a great place to live as the population inevitably grows. Our regional partnership has had major infrastructure projects in Bendigo as important regional priorities.
The Bendigo GovHub, Bendigo Law courts, and Bendigo TAFE redevelopment are important to enable Bendigo to provide services and attract industry. These projects will be part of a modern vibrant CBD. The GovHub building will bring together local and State government like no other Gov Hub project in Victoria, as well as bring 100 new State Government jobs to the City. It will provide for customers and workers. It will enable government services to work together for the community and it will also help reinvigorate the commercial centre of Bendigo. In the past two year we have held two more large assemblies and the state government has provided funds towards all our priorities. I look forward to Federal and State governments further supporting our region over the next 10 years to cater for further population and economic growth
Nigel McGuckian is Chair, Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership
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