Council to Advocate for Key Regional Issues at MAV State Council

Published on 24 March 2026

Horsham Rural City Council will continue its strong advocacy on issues affecting regional communities, with four motions set to be submitted for consideration at the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) May State Council meeting.

The motions address critical challenges not only impacting Horsham, but also communities across rural, regional, peri-urban and growth areas throughout Victoria. If adopted at the State Council meeting, the MAV will incorporate these motions into its broader advocacy platform to the Victorian Government.

Mayor Cr Brian Klowss said the motions highlight systemic issues that require coordinated state-level support.

“Council is committed to ensuring the voices of rural and regional communities are heard,” said Cr Klowss.

“These motions focus on real challenges affecting our ability to attract workers, manage growth, and support our communities now and into the future.”

The first motion addresses the impact of mining, renewable energy and major infrastructure projects on housing availability for key workers.

“Key workers are essential to keeping our emergency services, health, education and government sectors operating,” said Cr Klowss.

“Large-scale projects, particularly during construction phases, place significant pressure on local housing supply. This reduces opportunities for key workers to secure accommodation and makes it harder to attract them to regional areas. We are calling on the Victorian Government to recognise and address this growing issue.”

The second motion highlights the strain these major projects place on Council resources.

“Assessing large-scale developments requires significant time and expertise, often beyond the capacity of regional councils,”

“Many councils are forced to engage external specialists at considerable cost to ratepayers. We are seeking additional State Government support, particularly in funding and access to technical expertise, to ensure Council can effectively manage these demands.”

The third motion focuses on the growing issue of truck parking and its impact on communities.

“This is not just a rural issue—it affects peri-urban and growth areas as well,” said Cr Klowss.

“We need a coordinated approach to identify and fund appropriate truck parking facilities with the necessary amenities. This will support drivers while also improving safety and amenity for local residents.”

The fourth motion raises awareness of challenges faced by educational professionals living in rural and regional areas.

“To maintain professional registration, teachers must complete 20 days of professional experience each year,” said Cr Klowss.

“In regional settings, access to these opportunities can be limited, creating an additional barrier for those considering working in rural communities. A more flexible approach is needed to ensure our communities are not disadvantaged.”

Cr Klowss said Council looks forward to working collaboratively with the MAV and other councils to progress these important issues.

“These are not isolated concerns—they are shared challenges across the local government sector”

“By bringing them forward at the State Council level, we are advocating for meaningful change that will benefit communities right across Victoria.”

Three of the four motions highlight the need for all levels of government to work together on key issues affecting rural and regional communities with key worker housing, support for local governments and truck parking submitted to the Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly for consideration in June 2026.