“The Australian Government’s acknowledgement of Local Government is an historical occasion that has taken 140 years to happen,” Cr Osborne said.

She drew attention to the fact, “it’s the first time the federal government has invited us to come to the table to form partnerships,”

The Greater Hume Shire mayor and Lockhart Mayor Peter Yates were among 400 mayors across Australia who attended the inaugural Australian Council of Australian Government meeting in Canberra last week.

“Today we turn a page and begin a new era in the relationship between Australia’s national government and local governments that represent communities across our nation,” Mr Rudd said in his address.

Although it will be some time off, the two rural mayors welcomed the government’s commitment to constitutional recognition in all spheres including symbolic, institutional and financial.

The government has tried twice before to have local government recognised in the constitution. They have promised this time to ensure it is done properly and doesn’t fall victim to political manipulation, CR Osborne said.

The announcement of the $300 million Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program with a minimum of $100,000 going to each council to be spent by September 2009 will see swimming pools community centres libraries, sporting grounds, parks and council run Meals on Wheels kitchens renewed.

Greater Hume Shire Councillors plan to attend a workshop to discuss how their share, a sum of $503,000 will be spent on community infrastructure.

“With so many projects on the table it will be up to Council to prioritise and decide how we can boost the economy and employment opportunities,” Cr Osborne said.

Lockhart Mayor Peter Yates said a number of projects including the Yerong Creek auditorium, could benefit from the sum of $100,000 allotted to the shire.

Other projects may include the purchase of equipment for The Rock Aged Care facility at its completion, public toilets with disabled access and restoring the grandstand.

The Mayor and councillors would like to hear from community groups and individuals on what funds can be spent on.