The group is made up of Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Loddon, Campaspe and Moira Shire councils.
The mayors presented to Mr Staikos on their key regional priorities, including water, housing, roads, and energy.
They also raised other challenges the councils were facing, such as the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund Levy, and welcomed discussion about regional and rural Local Government financial sustainability.
Murray River Group chair and mayor of Loddon Shire Council, Dan Straub said the meeting was an important step in strengthening partnerships with the Victorian Government.
“It was a great opportunity to engage directly with the Minister, share the group’s key priorities and explore ways to partner for stronger outcomes for our communities,” Cr Straub said.
The Victorian Cross Border Commissioner Brett Davis also presented to the meeting and engaged in a positive discussion about the unique challenges of cross border towns and communities and how the group could work with the Commissioner to tackle them.
The meeting also discussed shared opportunities for investment, funding support and stronger collaboration between Local and State Government.
“Governments deliver best for our communities when Local and State Government are working in partnership, not against each other” said Cr Straub.
“We value our relationship with the Minister for Local Government and the broader Victorian Government and look forward to ongoing collaboration.”
The group will head to the National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra later this month, where they will continue to make their case to Federal Ministers and senior bureaucrats in Canberra.
