General News
14 August, 2022
Benefits of projects
By Cr DAN STRAUBIN THE months since my last perpective article, there has been a lot happening on the council agenda. Council is at a stage of delivering key projects that have been on the books for a number of years. Projects such as the Pyramid...
By Cr DAN STRAUB
IN THE months since my last perpective article, there has been a lot happening on the council agenda.
Council is at a stage of delivering key projects that have been on the books for a number of years. Projects such as the Pyramid Hill Street scape and Wedderburn’s Donaldson Park community hub.
Key projects like these go a long way in helping to make the Loddon Shire a great place to live, work and visit.
June this year, the Australian Census data was released, highlighting for the Loddon Shire an increase in population across most towns. This exciting news builds on from the positive outlook and mood we have seen across Loddon in recent months.
All this positivity, I believe is due to several factors, some being, the freedom to now move around our state and country and the football and netball on a Saturday morning bringing about socialising and enjoyment of local sport.
With the recent Federal election, all councillors along with the CEO and other staff, have worked tirelessly to voice local concerns through to candidates and Federal Government MPs.
Key issues we all face such as the lack of child care and family day care, digital connectivity and infrastructure funding models were amongst some of the issues council advocated for.
This work continues coming into the November State election. Council has already met with some current MPs and candidates to again have a strong advocating position for Loddon residents.
Roads, swimming pools and infrastructure are just to name a few.
Many residents continue to contact me directly, raising concerns about road conditions, this is an ongoing issue.
The Terrick Ward for example is situated on Northern Flood Plains and our soil structure is proving to be difficult to maintain, especially in times of wet weather. I urge all motorists to please stay safe on our roads.
Loddon Shire is a member of the Murray River Group of Councils, which is a key advocating position for our wider region. Campaspe, Gannawarra, Swan Hill, Moira and Mildura Shires are all part of this regional group.
In recent weeks the MRGC had the opportunity to meet with Senator Bridget McKenzie, Nationals MP for Nicholls, Sam Birrell and Nationals candidate for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad, to discuss a number of regional issues, such as, concerns around foot and mouth disease, child care, and digital connectivity.
Another key topic discussed within this group has been the proposed Kerang link high voltage powerline upgrades.
We have had the opportunity to meet with VIC Grid and Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to discuss what this means for power generation through the region.
One key question I have continuously asked is, “what are you doing in regards to landholder consultation?” We need to know the exact impact this may have for landholders and our environment. There will be more to come on this issue and future local consultation promised in the announcement will be essential.
Earlier this year, I was delighted to hear the great news of a $200,000 grant application being successful to fund the light tower upgrades at both Serpentine and Mitiamo Recreation Reserves.
These light tower upgrades will benefit our football and netball clubs, along with the wider community in providing opportunities for our multi-use facilities.
Finally with the news of the Commonwealth Games coming in 2026, I am excited at the opportunities this sporting event could bring to Loddon and the benefits that could be gained from this event.
This could create leverage from State Government funding to upgrade infrastructure, such as our pool shells and other sporting facilities for example.
There are also many benefits from tourists visiting the shire, not to mention the economic boost to our local businesses.
As the weather begins to turn and things start to warm up, the continuing positive outlook brings future prosperity.
I thank all our community organisations and groups for your tireless work and am always honoured and humbled to be a part of your events and celebrations banding together as a community.
* Cr Straub is Loddon Shire Mayor
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