The State Government’s decision to strip councils of money for heritage work is “inexplicable”, according to an Indigo Shire councillor.
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An Independent Heritage Review was completed for the council last year, leading to an action plan councillors endorsed at Tuesday’s meeting.
Rezoning the Stanley township, creating rural living opportunities in Rutherglen, and improving infrastructure in Chiltern and Barnawartha are priorities for year one of the program.
Cr Don Chambers said for the first time, all of Indigo Shire’s heritage work will have to be completed with its own resources and be subject to room in the budget.
"Previously over years the State Government did provide services or money to fund the project,” he said.
“That money has actually diminished that has come to Indigo over the years."
The money from Heritage Victoria was used to fund the heritage advisor service, but ceased completely as of this year, meaning council has to fund the service itself.
Cr Chambers was critical of the State Government at a time when rate-capping is about to be introduced.
"They are removing money that was being provided to protect the heritage of Victoria and I just find it inexplicable as to why the government are moving in that direction," he said.
"We've done the work, the background shows how we're going to start doing that work, but we've got to find another financing to completely that work over the next few years."
Council officers still determined the plans were important for Indigo Shire.
“The Planning Scheme Review and Independent Heritage Review have each identified key recommendations and projects, which, if implemented, will strengthen and further underpin land use and development, and heritage management,” the report states.
Mayor Bernard Gaffney said he and Indigo chief executive officer Gerry Smith have a meeting with the planning minister in November where they would raise the issue.
The Border Mail contacted the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure for comment.