Politics & Council
4 January, 2024
Opinion: Child care call a proud moment
AS 2023 comes to a close, so does my first year as being your Member for Ripon. Since being elected, we’ve achieved so much for the Loddon Shire and broader region. One of my proudest days as your elected representative was visiting Wedderburn...
AS 2023 comes to a close, so does my first year as being your Member for Ripon.
Since being elected, we’ve achieved so much for the Loddon Shire and broader region.
One of my proudest days as your elected representative was visiting Wedderburn College recently to announce it will be the site of one of the Allan Labor Government’s 50 new government-run and operated childcare centres, opening in 2026.
This is a game-changer for Wedderburn and the Loddon Shire – and it’s the result of a passionate community-led campaign from families who currently have no childcare options at all.
It was an emotional morning being able to congratulate the local mums who have worked so hard to get this outcome and who have gone above and beyond to ensure their children are well looked after while juggling local small businesses, farms, and education.
I’m thrilled the State Government has also been able to deliver new speed limits on the Calder Highway in Inglewood and Wedderburn – improving safety for pedestrians, motorists, and local businesses.
A 40kmh speed limit is now in place in Wedderburn between south of Godfrey Street and north of Reef Street, reduced from 50 kmh.
A 40 kmh speed zone is on its way in Inglewood between east of Grant Street and north of Houston Street and will be in place by late January.
These communities wanted a safer Calder Highway. I took their concerns directly to the Minister and I’m so pleased we’ve got a result.
Another highlight this year was working with the Newbridge community to recover from the October floods in 2022.
They worked tirelessly on the clean-up, including powerhouse Sue Horsley from the Recreation Reserve Committee.
It was an honour to deliver over $240,000 for the redevelopment of the recreation reserve, and to join them a few months ago to celebrate the completion of works.
There’s more progress too – with a new heavy tanker for the Inglewood CFA, funds for new uniforms for the Bridgewater Cricket Club, money for the Loddon Plains Landcare Network, and the Inglewood-Bridgewater RSL Sub-Branch too.
This is just the beginning though and we have so much more to do.
As we head into the New Year, I will be focused on fixing our roads, addressing the cost of living, and delivering more affordable housing across our region.
I will also be supporting our smaller communities across the Loddon Shire with the new Tiny Towns Fund, which offers grants of up to $50,000 for projects in communities of 5,000 people or less.
Local community groups can find out more about the Fund by visiting rdv.vic.gov.au and can contact my office for a letter of support.
While I know so many are winding down this time of year, this isn’t the case for all those in the farming industry. I want to send my best wishes to all our local farmers working non-stop this harvest, and hope that you get some much-deserved rest soon.
I also want to thank our emergency service volunteers who will be keeping us safe this fire season. We’d be lost without you, and you put your own safety on the line every day to protect us.
* Martha Haylett is the member for Ripon