Communities' concerns raised in Canberra
Published on 13 July 2026
Water management, housing, regional development, financial support for local government and VNI West were key items raised by Gannawarra Shire Council representatives during a recent visit to Canberra.
Mayor Garner Smith and Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson represented Council at last month’s Australia Local Government Association’s National General Assembly, with the event enabling direct access to Federal Ministers and senior decision-makers.
“The National General Assembly gives councils the opportunity to engage directly with Federal decision-makers on issues that have a real impact on our communities,” Mayor Smith said.
“Geoff and I took every opportunity to advocate for Gannawarra and ensure the challenges and opportunities facing our region remain firmly on the national agenda.”
Housing shortages was a key topic discussed with Federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil, with Mayor Smith and Mr Rollinson using the meeting to determine how Council can access the Australian Government’s $2 billion Housing Support Program, which is designed to fund enabling infrastructure such as roads, water, sewerage and community facilities to unlock new housing developments.
“Housing availability remains one of the biggest challenges facing regional communities. We need the infrastructure investment that allows new homes to be built and supports the growth of our towns,” Mayor Smith said.
Water policy was a key focus during the visit, with Mayor Smith questioning two Federal Regional Development Ministers about discussions with the Water Minister regarding the impact of government decisions on irrigation productivity in northern Victoria.
Mayor Smith and Mr Rollinson also met twice with the Water Minister’s adviser, presenting a range of proposals aimed at improving water management outcomes. One proposal included reviewing environmental water carryover arrangements to allow unused environmental water to be returned to the consumptive pool, where it could be made available for productive use.
“Water is the lifeblood of Gannawarra’s economy,” Mayor Smith said.
“Any opportunity to improve the efficiency and balance of water management must be explored to support our irrigated agriculture sector and regional communities.”
Water management was also a key topic of discussion with Murray-Darling Basin Authority Chief Executive Officer, Andrew McConville, where Mayor Smith sought clarification for the fourth time regarding claims of overallocation and overextraction used to justify water buybacks under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
In addition, Mayor Smith and Mr Rollinson joined representatives from the Murray River Group of Councils to discuss outcomes from environmental watering programs administered by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.
“I remain concerned about the return being delivered from significant taxpayer investment in environmental water and believe there must be greater transparency and accountability regarding outcomes,” Mayor Smith said.
The Gannawarra contingent also raised concerns with Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen regarding the proposed VNI West transmission project and its impacts on regional communities. During these discussions, Mayor Smith highlighted the need for residents, businesses and industry in Gannawarra to benefit from the significant renewable energy generation occurring within the municipality.
“Gannawarra is making a major contribution to Australia’s energy transition. Our communities should be able to access locally generated electricity without being disadvantaged by excessive transmission and distribution costs,” Mayor Smith said.
The duo also met with Local Government Minister Kristy McBain to discuss the long-standing practice of prepaying Federal Assistance Grants. Council has consistently advocated against grant prepayments, arguing they can create misleading financial reporting outcomes and do not accurately reflect the ongoing financial pressures facing local government.
“It is important that funding arrangements provide a clear and accurate picture of local government finances,” Mayor Smith said.
Mayor Smith said the Canberra visit reinforced the importance of direct advocacy on behalf of regional communities.
“While attending these events requires an investment of time and resources, it is essential that Gannawarra has a seat at the table when decisions are being made,” he said.
“Council will continue advocating strongly for outcomes that support our communities, industries and future prosperity.”
TOP: Mayor Garner Smith attended the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly, held last month.