“I spoke to Damian Drum yesterday,” Moira Shire Council Mayor Libro Mustica told the Yarrawonga Chronicle last Thursday at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Information Centre.
“He will talk to Sussan Ley next week in Canberra. Damian supports the Green Route; Sussan hasn’t indicated which route she supports.”
Mayor Mustica and Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke joined forces last Thursday to promote the Green Route – close to the railway line over Lake Mulwala – rather than the decision made by the State Governments of NSW and Victoria for the Grey Route, close to the existing bridge which is earmarked for demolition.
The two mayors met following last week’s resolution by the new Federation Council in a 6:3 vote to support the Green Route, overturning the previous Corowa Shire Council unanimous decision to support the Grey Route.
Federation Council’s decision followed the survey response of Mulwala residents, with 70% voting for the Green Route, meaning an overall 70% of Yarrawonga and Mulwala residents preferred the Green Route.
“Today marks a new beginning with both communities clearly demonstrating their support for the Green Route,” Mayor Mustica said.
“It’s also the start of both councils working together with a shared view for replacing the nearly 100-year-old road bridge.
“Reaching agreement on the Green Route has been made possible by both councils ensuring that those who are most affected by it had a legitimate say – the communities that live in Mulwala and Yarrawonga.
“We are very confident the strong vote for Green will be the catalyst for convincing both State Governments to revisit the route.”
Mayor Bourke said that last Thursday was a very exciting day for both councils after a long-awaited period. “We acted after the strong 70:30 vote. We always said we’d act on the voice of the people,” he said.
Moira and Federation Councils will call on both Road Ministers to re-open discussions on route selection.
“Then we can continue advocacy for its construction,” Mayor Mustica said. “It’s moved up to number three on the Murray River priority list and we want to keep it right up there with the weir bridge closing to traffic next year.”
