Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) has been allocated an additional $3.45 million by the Victorian Government to continue its work of  representing the interests of small rural communities across the state for at least the next four years.

 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said the funding would support RCV’s administrative costs in representing Victoria’s 38 rural councils.

 

“The RCV network is a critical liaison point for rural councils and the State and Commonwealth Governments, as well as industry and community groups and regional advisory bodies and planning committees,” Mr Ryan said.

 

“This important investment will enhance RCV’s capacity for research and policy development as well as provide training opportunities for key staff within RCV’s network.”

 

Funding to RCV, which is located within the Municipal Association of Victoria, will be provided through Regional Development Victoria and is in addition to existing government funding to councils across the state. RCV is an element of the Networked Rural Councils Initiative, which also includes the Business Management Professional Development Program which aims to improve business management practices in local government, and the ‘Make the Move’ initiative which aims to attract new residents to rural regions.