Capital delivers Sunraysia ‘huge stimulus’, says councillor

AS COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on the Australia economy, Mildura has enjoyed huge investment in the region thanks to a funding increase from the Federal and State governments over the past three years.

The region has had a funding increase of 275 per cent since 2017, with almost $40 million injected into new projects in 2021.

Councillor for economic development Stefano de Pieri said with good planning and a vision for the future strong economic growth was possible despite the fact many other parts of Australia were struggling in the anxiety and insecurity of the pandemic.

“The Mildura Future Ready strategy has shown how with good plans and targets it is possible to leverage our rates to obtain far more resources than would be the case,” Cr de Pieri said.

“The community should be appreciative of the enormous contribution to the economy by the role of council in obtaining huge state and federal funds to the municipality to drive huge capital works programs.

“These funds, together with the component of the rates allocated to capital works, have acted as a huge stimulus to the local economy, creating jobs and supporting local businesses.”

The Mildura South Regional Sporting Complex and stage 2 of the riverfront development were among many examples of works supported by the funding boost.

Cr de Pieri said the spin-offs from the council’s investment in major projects in the region had helped employment.

“Unemployment in Mildura has dropped in all categories and jobs ads are very high throughout the Wimmera- Mallee,” Cr de Pieri said.

“Nursing and health professionals, clerks, agricultural specialists, construction workers and chefs are in huge demand, among other categories.

“While no one wishes to rest on their laurels, these are facts that deserve attention. The task is now to develop a refreshed Mildura Future Ready strategy.”

Cr de Pieri said a lot of work still had to be completed on the riverfront development and there were many ideas about how to increase tourism.

But he believed Sunraysia and the Mallee needed to talk with the Victorian Government and strongly advocate funding a new hospital.

He said the economic benefit a new hospital would bring to the region would be immeasurable for current and future generations, as well as improving health care.

“A strong community aspiration should be centred on efforts to see the development of a brand new hospital,” Cr de Pieri said.

“While this is not a direct council responsibility, everyone is aware that the wellbeing of the community is paramount and therefore council advocacy is of critical importance.

“There is a lot to be confident about while we also need to be aware of the ever-present dangers of the pandemic, climate warming and water prices.

“With good economic management and the support of the community, Mildura’s future is looking great.”