Federal Member for Calare, John Cobb, has thanked the representatives of Centroc for engaging in constructive dialogues with their local members and ministers in Parliament.

“I was pleased to assist Centroc and host a gathering of their representatives in Parliament House today to discuss federal government issues relating to the growth and development of the central west,” he said.

“It was fantastic to welcome the group to Parliament, the first time many of them had visited our nation’s parliament, and to engage with them collectively on various issues.”

As well as meeting with Mr Cobb, Centroc members met with Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, and Member for Hume, Angus Taylor, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss, Ministers Ian Macfarlane and Barnaby Joyce, Assistance Minister Fiona Nash and Parliamentary Secretary Paul Fletcher on issues such as water security, health, the NBN and mobile blackspot funding, infrastructure and manufacturing.

“A main issue of concern for the councils was the current structure of the Financial Assistance Grants, their tendency to disadvantage regional LGAs and the need to work more closely with the NSW government,” Mr Cobb said.

“The upcoming Stronger Regions Fund was also a key agenda item and attracted substantial interest from the councils, all of whom are looking to submit projects for funding.”

All of Calare’s eight local government areas – Forbes, Parkes, Orange, Cabonne, Blayney, Bathurst, Oberon and Lithgow – were involved.

“I always appreciate the views of our local governments and it was great to sit with the representatives of all eight LGAs in one room and discuss common goals,” Mr Cobb said.

“There are some big wins from the Federal Budget for local government – including increases to the Roads to Recovery program, Black Spot Road program, as well the new programs like the Bridges Renewal, Green Army and the Stronger Regions Fund.

“However, we understand that in some aspects this is a tough Budget and one in which all Australians are being asked to play a part in repairing our nation’s financial woes – which of course includes local government.

“It was great to host the Centroc group in Parliament and I’m sure they appreciated the opportunity.” 

Centroc will be developing an action list and following up with relevant ministers on key issues.