04 Jul 2018 Euroa Gazette, Euroa VIC (General News) COUNCIL has ramped up its lobbying efforts for more funding for the Strathbogie Shire over the last six months. Mayor Amanda McClaren and CEO Steve Crawcour recently attended the National General Assembly of Local Government Conference in Canberra. This involved a whole host of appointments with ministers, senators and members of parliament to discuss funding needs and opportunities for Strathbogie Shire. Strathbogie Shire mayor Amanda McClaren said she, along with Mr Crawcour, have met with about 30 ministers, senators and members of state and federal parliament over the last six months including Minister John McVeigh, Minister Darren Chester, Cathy McGowan, Damian Drum and Minister Heidi Victoria. Advocacy meetings are a valuable opportunity to present our local projects and needs, with the aim to attract funding, attention and advancement for our communities Mayor McClaren explained. As we head into a state and possible federal election in the second half of this year, it is a great opportunity to get out there and advocate for our region, mayor McClaren explained. Areas at the forefront of councils advocacy meetings include health, education, tourism infrastructure, public transport, agriculture and freight. Our advocacy plan is all about making the Strathbogie Shire a more liveable and prosperous place to live, work, invest, visit and enjoy. The value of joint collaboration between council, the community and other levels of government was shown at last weeks exciting infrastructure funding announcement. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) announced the Victorian Governments significant contribution of over $700,000 worth of funding for the Nagambie Recreation Reserve building upgrade and a new deep water public boat ramp for Nagambies waterways. For more information about councils advocacy program, visit the Strengthen Strathbogie button on Councils website www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au.