Councillor Michael Leaney chair of Peri Urban Councils Victoria

Baw Baw Shire Council is delighted to announce that Councillor Michael Leaney has been re-elected as Chair of the Peri Urban Councils of Victoria (PUCV), marking a significant vote of confidence in the leadership and direction of the organisation. 

Joining Cr Leaney in re-election is Deputy Chair Cr Moira Berry of Moorabool Shire Council. 

Peri Urban Councils Victoria is comprised of five member Councils including the Bass Coast Shire Council, Baw Baw Shire Council, Golden Plains Shire Council, Moorabool Shire Council, and Surf Coast Shire Council. 

Under their leadership, PUCV has been at the forefront of a national dialogue on urban growth, spearheaded by the commissioning of the landmark report "Managing Urban Growth in the Peri Urban Area" by Hansen Partnership. This report has played a pivotal role in shaping discussions around urban planning, management, and funding across the country. 

Cr Leaney reflected on the challenges and opportunities ahead and said he looked forward to working with representatives from the four other member Council’s. "The peri-urban regions surrounding Melbourne and Geelong are among the fastest-growing in the country. It's imperative that we proactively invest in these areas to manage urban sprawl effectively and preserve the unique lifestyle and character that define our communities." 

Looking forward to 2024, PUCV is set to take an active role in shaping the new National Urban Policy, Plan Victoria, as well as participating in the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into food supply in peri-urban areas. 

These initiatives underscore PUCV's commitment to advocating for better planning mechanisms, targeted funding for connectivity, placemaking, tourism, and transport to support the sustainable growth of peri-urban regions like Baw Baw Shire. 

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of collective advocacy for the needs of peri-urban regions like Baw Baw Shire.  

“Regions like ours face unique pressures,” said Cr McCabe.  

“Securing targeted funding and advocating for policies that will let us address the challenges of rapid population growth are so important to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in our shire.  

As a highly experienced Councillor and former Mayor of Baw Baw Shire, Cr Leaney has a deep understanding of the issues we are tackling. I’ve no doubt the PUCV will continue to do invaluable work for peri urban regions under the leadership of the current board.”