A diverse range of subjects were included on a almost three-hour-long agenda for members of the two councils, the meeting this time held at Echuca Workers Club after the initial meeting of the two had been hosted on the NSW side of the border.
The cross-council meetings have been scheduled bi-monthly by senior executives of both local government authorities.
Tourism statistics from only last month revealed the healthy status of Echuca Moama as an overnight destination, but both councils are keen to extend the stays of visitors by coordinating events to be held over two and three-day periods.
“If there is a market on for example and another event is held the next day we are a better chance to keep those visitors here for an extra night,” Murray River Council chief executive officer Terry Dodds said.
Mr Dodds said the cross-council meetings were targeted at finding resolutions that benefited the entire region, not just a particular council.
He said an example was the electrical charging station strategy, a joint initiative of the councils to ensure there were enough ports for the tourists who had electrical vehicles.
“Our discussion wasn’t so much about council supplying these stations, more being the facilitator to see there were enough available for visitors to use,” Mr Dodds said.
“Our councils need to become the conductor of the orchestra for things like this, instead of being at the back as the drummer.”
Among the apologies at the meeting was an ill Campaspe Shire chief executive officer Declan Moore.
Mr Dodds said, overall, the amount of business went up quite substantially.
“The amount of interest resulting from the previous minutes and potential list of things we could do together created a very positive vibe,” he said.
“There is a realisation that there are be a lot more benefits to both communities with our councils becoming more involved in one another’s activities.”
Mr Dodds said he could see great reward from little effort and said the business conducted was probably 30 per cent more than the first meeting, in less time.
“It was a very effective and efficient use of three hours,” he said.
Both councils appear aligned on the heavy vehicle transport route through Echuca and Moama, along with the two state transport organisations and trucking companies.
An update was provided on the Meninya St project, along with information about a soon-to-be-available virtual reality tour of the street, in 3D, supplied by a landscape architect engaged to provide an impression of how the street could look once the re-development is complete.
Councils are planning to create a high-level memorandum of understanding to create a brand for advertising vacant positions within the shire structures.
“It is beneficial to both councils to join forces and advertise the wider region,” Mr Dodds said.
“Councils are unable to co-employ staff, due to differing state regulations, but could offer a joint contract for projects that benefits both.”
Campaspe council offered an update on the Campaspe Port Enterprise Committee, but still no word on a general manager.
Campaspe Shire’s frustration over moorings along the Murray River was on the agenda, asking for assistance in dealing with the various authorities it is required to liaise with.
Formal waste management and indoor sports projects were discussed, along with an integration of the walking, cycling and jogging circuits with the Meninya St project to allow a loop from bridge to bridge.
There will be a presentation by aviation company Sky Ports at the next meeting to discuss sky taxi services to the region.
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