Southern Grampians Shire Council Renews Commitment to Regional Partner
Published on 09 October 2025
Southern Grampians Shire Council has reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration and regional relationships by endorsing a new three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Southwest Victoria Alliance (SWVA) at the 8 October Council meeting.
The Alliance brings together Corangamite, Glenelg, Moyne, Southern Grampians and Warrnambool Councils to provide a strong, unified voice for southwest Victoria. The SWVA is the peak regional advocacy and partnership body for southwest Victoria.
Through this partnership, member councils campaign collectively for key regional priorities including housing, childcare, water security, roads funding, renewable energy and transport.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin praised the renewed agreement, saying that it strengthens the region’s ability to work together on the issues that matter most.
“It can often be the way that our Councils are consumed with the day to day running of their individual Shires, so it can be an enormous advantage to have a partnership like this to help us to keep an eye on the bigger regional picture,” said Cr Heslin.
“By standing together in this way, our councils deliver a firm voice for the entire southwest. This partnership allows us to champion causes more effectively, attract funding and deliver outcomes that benefit each of our regional communities."
The updated MoU formalises membership, governance and funding arrangements through to October 2028, while providing flexibility for representation and introducing clearer roles for independent and associate members.
The SWVA has advocated for better outcomes for regional Victoria with robust campaigns protesting the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund as well as fighting for drought support.
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