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Central Highlands Region, It’s Time To Have Your Say

14 August 2017

Locals living in the Central Highlands region have a chance to continue their conversation with the Andrews Labor Government, with community consultation leading up to the next regional assembly kicking off today.

Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford encouraged local residents to engage with the Central Highlands Regional Partnership ahead of the 2017 Regional Assembly in Creswick on 31 August.

The Labor Government established nine Regional Partnerships last July, to give communities the chance to provide input on local matters and provide a direct voice into government decision-making.

Top priorities for the Central Highlands Regional Partnership include better transport, digital connectivity and healthcare, and access to secure, sustainable and innovative energy options and technologies.

The Partnership has already started to see the results of its hard work with the announcement of $39 million for stage 2 of the Ballarat Line Upgrade to deliver improved passenger and freight services to Ararat. This is on top of the $518 million Ballarat Line Upgrade already underway.

The region will also share in the $45 million Connecting Regional Communities Program to support digital initiatives.

This year’s Regional Assembly will give the community a chance to build on the momentum already gained and share thoughts about local opportunities and challenges that span every government portfolio.

The Central Highlands Regional Partnership includes the shires of Pyrenees, Golden Plains, Moorabool and Hepburn, as well as the City of Ballarat and the Ararat Rural City.

To register to attend the Assembly or be part of the conversation online visit engage.vic.gov.au/central-highlands

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford

“We hope people from across the region have their say and embrace this opportunity to be part of Victoria’s Regional Assemblies.”

“We’ve already heard from rural and regional communities across Victoria, and we’re looking forward to hearing from locals in the Central Highlands region.”

Quotes attributable to the Central Highlands Regional Partnership Chair, George Fong

“The Central Highlands Regional Assembly is an opportunity for members of the community to have their say about priorities for our region.”

“Continuing the conversation between government, business and the community helps inform the partnership about what the region needs most.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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