A BID to attract a federal government department or agency to Moyne Shire has been backed by member for Wannon Dan Tehan.
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Moyne Shire councillors voted this week to write to federal and state MPs, including Mr Tehan, as a matter of urgency to express their interest in having a department or agency relocated to their municipality.
It follows the federal government’s announcement of a decentralisation push, with ministers given until August to justify why government bodies should stay put in city locations or list agencies that are suitable to move to regional areas.
Cr Daniel Meade led the call for Moyne Shire’s expression of interest, and Mr Tehan the councillor’s quick-thinking
“I think it’s a very good initiative, and one that I support,” Mr Tehan said.
“I’d be happy to write a letter with them to the Australian government and the state government expressing a strong interest in relocating an agency or department to the Moyne Shire.”
Mr Tehan said the increased employment and economic boost from moving an entire or part of a government body would be a great boon to the region.
“Obviously it brings employment, and the more jobs we can create locally the better,” he said.
Mr Tehan said he was unsure how long the process would take but Moyne Shire expressing interest was “a good first step”.
“It’s possible – there’s nothing to prevent part of whole of agency (moving to Moyne Shire),” he said.
Cr Meade said an agricultural department or agency would be ideal for relocation to Moyne Shire.