ATTRACTING funding to major projects outside Melbourne will be the main aim of Michael Neoh next year as he tackles a new role.
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The Warrnambool mayor was appointed chairman of Regional Cities Victoria (RCV), stepping up from his previous position as deputy chairman.
“Because RCV is an apolitical organisation, in the lead-up to the next election we will be putting forward our policies and positions on a range of issues to both the state government and opposition,” Cr Neoh said.
“We’ll look to increase our engagement with Premier Napthine — who is also Minister for Regional Cities — on a more regular basis.
“RCV also believes that strong regional cities provide benefits to surrounding regional municipalities.”
Apart from Warrnambool, the statewide group covers nine other regional centres including Bendigo, Geelong, Ballarat, Mildura, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Latrobe City, Horsham and Shepparton.
Cr Neoh said he would look to push the group’s agenda of population growth in regional and rural areas as an answer to Melbourne’s suburban sprawl.