Cr Rob Amos - Campaspe Shire

13/08/2026

Congrats to everyone involved.

06/08/2026

10/07/2026

23/06/2026

Today, we joined with other groups passionate about fixing country roads for a meeting with Victoria's Roads Minister, Ros Spence.

Our message was clear: we need long-term investment in Victoria's regional and rural road network.

It's our view the time for admiring the problem is over. There has been enough talk.

It's now time for a significant and sustained boost to investment in our country roads, and this needs to be done in partnership with rural councils.

That means repairing roads quickly when they need it, but most importantly investing in timely maintenance so roads remain safe and driveable.

Rural Councils will be delivering this same message to all political parties in the leadup to the November state election.

04/03/2026

Rural communities are rightly alarmed at moves by the Victorian Government to reduce the barriers for compulsory land acquisition for big energy projects.

This change is being pushed through with no public debate or consultation, and no formal explanation from the government.

Communities can have little faith in the process to assess proposed energy projects if their land has already been taken away.

Once again, landholders and rural communities are feeling disrespected and undervalued.

Rural Councils Victoria will seek urgent clarification from the government about the detail of any land acquisition changes.

03/03/2026

The Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, was wrong when she recently implored councils to return their focus to "roads, rates and rubbish".

The throwaway line was used during a debate about local government sustainability sparked after some city councillors suggested another round of council amalgamations should be considered. (See link in comments.)

Councils are easy targets for criticism, but the real damage from Ms Allan's remark is how it seemingly disregards much of what local councils actually do — especially in rural areas.

Planning, environmental programs, relief supports in emergencies, running and maintaining parks and sporting facilities, youth programs, security, food safety inspections, immunisation services, pet registration... the list really does go on.

It's also councils that local communities turn to, often even when the responsibility falls with other tiers of government, or when statewide policy approaches fail to take account for local needs and conditions.

Road maintenance, rubbish and recycling are big challenges for councils.

But if councils truly stuck to only providing "roads and rubbish" services, Victoria would be a poorer place.

Ratepayers would be denied many of the other vital supports and services councils provide, and communities would lose a critical voice in state and national debates.

It's long past time our state leaders stopped with the council bashing, and began to value local government for what it truly is: an efficient, effective and vital governing partner, and a key force supporting Victorian communities to thrive.

🗣️ RCV Chair Cr Rob Amos (Campaspe Shire).

13/01/2026

The fire emergency across our state has had a devastating impact on many of our communities and council organisations.

Many councillors and staff have been working extremely hard in these difficult conditions, be it on the frontline fighting fires or in service and support roles.

As locals ourselves, this is often in addition to being concerned about our own families, homes and businesses.

Devastating events like these fires remind us just how indispensable the work of local government is to communities.

Thankyou to all those Victorians who have supported our communities in some way over the past week, even if it was something simple like sending well-wishes.

Please keep us all in your thoughts and consider donating to 2026 Victorian Bushfire Appeal. [vic.gov.au/2026-Victorian-Bushfire-Appeal]

But we also have one more request.

Please stay away from fire affected areas.

Now is not the time for 'rubber necking' or fireground tourism.

The time to visit will come in the weeks ahead, when we will once again invite you to enjoy and support to our beautiful communities.

08/02/2025

🌞 What a fantastic morning at the opening of Stage 4 of the Echuca East Reserve – the new pump track is officially open! 🚴‍♂️🎉

It was great to see so many kids (and a few brave parents!) out there testing their skills, enjoying the sunshine, and making the most of this incredible new space. The energy and excitement were contagious!

This project is a testament to what happens when a community comes together with the Council to create something special. A huge thank you to everyone who played a part in bringing this vision to life – it’s already clear how much joy it’s bringing to families across Echuca.

If you haven’t checked it out yet, grab your bike, skateboard, or scooter and head down to Echuca East Reserve. You’ll love it!