General News
24 December, 2024
Accomplishments, vision strengths of community
BY Cr Dan Straub AS ANOTHER year draws to a close, it’s hard to believe how quickly the past 12 months have flown by. As we prepare to wind down and enjoy a well-deserved Christmas break, we take a moment to reflect on the year that was and think...
BYCr Dan Straub
AS ANOTHER year draws to a close, it’s hard to believe how quickly the past 12 months have flown by.
As we prepare to wind down and enjoy a well-deserved Christmas break, we take a moment to reflect on the year that was and think about the year ahead.
We thank our hardworking farming community, which continues to produce the food we put on our tables.
Their efforts also contribute significantly to the local economy through great employment opportunities and world class produce.
Despite the challenges of a prolonged grain harvest caused by wet weather, their persistence has prevailed and the majority of the crop should be in before Christmas.
We take this time to acknowledge and thank our dedicated community groups and the individuals who contribute to making Loddon Shire such a wonderful place to live and work.
I have often said we are a ‘community of communities’ and we are all invested as one. Celebrating our togetherness is important and we have not been disappointed. It is pleasing to see the richness of community celebrations taking place across the shire, making the most of their parks, recreation reserves, multi-use facilities and of course the wonderful hospitality venues throughout.
I want to make a special mention to all our local businesses - pubs, cafés, bakeries, retail stores and supermarkets.
This is undoubtedly a very busy and important time of year for you, as families, friends, workplaces all come together to celebrate the festive season.
As we embark on a new council term, I would like to welcome our new councillors - David Weaver, Nick Angelo and Miki Wilson. I’d also like to welcome returning councillor Gavan Holt.
I am very honoured and privileged to be taking on the mayoral role in the first year of this new council term. I thank my fellow councillors and the community for all your support.
Reflecting on the year, we realise we have accomplished several significant milestones. These include the opening of the Donaldson Park Complex, Pyramid Hill Streetscape project, the announcement of Loddon’s first early learning years and child care centre, extensive investment in our road network and the many services provided by council daily.
There was also the development of significant documents, including the economic development strategy, draft recreation, open space and aquatic strategy, social infrastructure strategy and the 2024 priorities document.
I’d like to make mention of the adoption of another significant council document - Loddon Shire’s 2023-2024 Annual Report. This document provides a detailed update on how we are performing while capturing some of the highlights for the financial year. It also features some overall facts and figures from the year like, 14,928 visits to swimming pools to mention but one.
You can read the annual report on Council’s website.
Looking ahead in our new council term, early next year, we will be turning our attention to the development of our new community vision and council plan.
The new council plan will guide council’s priorities for the next four years and will be developed through feedback from you, the community.
We look forward to working with you to help shape the future direction of our shire.
In closing, again best wishes and thank you to those harvesting, working hard in hospitality venues, those of us in retail shops, our healthcare providers, our first responders and the wider community.
As the year ends, we take this time to reflect on the year that has been. May everyone have a joyous time celebrating the Christmas festive season with friends and family.
On behalf of council, I wish all our residents and businesses a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.
I look forward to continuing to work with our community in for another successful and vibrant 2025.
Cr Dan Straub is Loddon Shire Mayor