MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster says councils in the Mallee have been “stranded” from pursuing infrastructure funding due to the election caretaker period.
The Federal Government’s Growing Regions Round 2 opened on September 5 and closes on October 10, however the election caretaker period starts on September 17.
“I am dismayed that Minister King has stranded Victorian councils by scheduling a Growing Regions funding round during council elections,” Dr Webster said.
“For months, Mallee councillors have been talking with me about their preparation for caretaker mode, postponing major decisions for the next group of elected members to determine.
“I call on Minister King to extend time for applications for councils affected by their election process.
“Councils simply do not have their own funds to bring major infrastructure projects forward, and now thanks to the incompetence of regional Victorian Minister King, they don’t have the time either due to council elections.”
The minister has been contacted for comment.
