At its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, June 18, Buloke Shire Council confirmed that it will withdraw its membership from the Wimmera Southern Mallee Development (WSMD).

Wimmera Southern Mallee Development Limited is a regional development organisation that aims to support economic growth and advocate for shared priorities across participating councils in north-western Victoria.

Buloke had joined WSMD on August 9, 2023, under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), but councillors voted unanimously to withdraw after determining the Shire had yet to receive any funding or demonstrated benefit – particularly in relation to WSMD’s focus on addressing housing shortages across the region.

The financial contribution for WSMD membership for the 2025/2026 year is $62,844, which has been allocated in the Council’s newly adopted budget.

“The donation towards it (WSMD) could be very well spent in other places in the tight financial position we (the Council) are,” Cr Graeme Milne said at the meeting.

Chief Executive Officer Wayne O’Toole will now provide WSMD with the required 12 months’ notice of Council’s intention to withdraw, as per the MOU.

Council also raised concerns about WSMD’s public stance on renewables and transmission infrastructure, which did not reflect Buloke’s neutral position.

“The open letter issued by the WSMD CEO in December 2024 relating to transmission lines, wind energy parks and mining was not reflective of Council’s views,” the report noted.

“This letter was developed without consultation and created significant concern throughout the Buloke community.

“It is felt that Council’s feedback to WSMD on these matters has not been adequately responded to, therefore highlighting the inability of WSMD to accurately represent and advocate for Buloke Shire Council.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 24 June 2025.