Council
14 November, 2025
Mayor Makin visits Australian capital
CORANGAMITE Shire Council mayor councillor Kate Makin recently attended the Australian Energy Producers’ Australian Gas Communities Day in Canberra.
Cr Makin was among more than 40 delegates meeting with ministers and MPs delivering a message about the importance of gas to regional and rural communities.
The 40 delegates spent the day networking with industry representatives, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Emergency Management Kristy McBain, Shadow Minister for Agriculture Jamie Chaffey, Member for Wannon Dan Tehan and Member for Monash Mary Aldred.
Cr Makin said Mr Caffey expressed interest in visiting Corangamite Shire.
“That will give us the opportunity to show him around, introduce him to locals, and brief him on the issues of competing land uses, local manufacturing and jobs,” she said.
“Gas isn’t just an energy source for us – it supports our major industries, agriculture, manufacturing, and jobs across southwest Victoria.
“From processing milk at our local factories, making milk powder, sterilisation, bricks and glass, to powering essential services, our region’s productivity and prosperity depend on reliable, affordable energy.
“Some intensive manufacturing such as making fertilizer don’t currently have viable alternatives.
“Gas storage contributes to the Corangamite economy by employing about 100 of our community members.”
Cr Makin said she was pleased to be able to attend the communities day in Canberra.
“It was a privilege to ensure that decision-makers heard directly from the regions most affected by energy policy and that the message was received loud and clear – gas matters to Corangamite and gas matters to regional and rural Victoria,” she said.
“Thank you to Australian Energy Producers for facilitating these important discussions and for championing the voices of regional and rural communities in the national energy conversation.”
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