Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 11 July 2023

Published on 11 July 2023

Mayor-Dan Straub

Combating Farm Crime

Dr. Kyle Mulrooney and Dr. Alistair Harkness, the Centre for Rural Criminology Co-Directors at the University of New England, have launched the Australian Farm Crime Survey, the first of its kind in nearly 20 years.

Farm crime has cast a long and troubling shadow across our rural landscapes. The toll it takes on farmers and rural property owners, both psychologically and financially, is immense. Its repercussions ripple through the agricultural industry, rural communities, and indeed our entire country, creating socio-economic and security implications that can no longer be overlooked.

Through this survey, we aim to amplify the voices of those most affected - the farmers. We believe that their direct insights will not only shed light on the true scope of farm crime in Australia but also provide a comprehensive understanding of its impacts and possible mitigation strategies.

The October 2022 flood event saw Loddon Shire witness a surge in farm theft. Reported incidents involved batteries, solar panels, 10,000 litres of diesel fuel and substantial losses of livestock.

For more information or to participate in the survey please click here: https://bit.ly/farmcrimeune

2023/24 rate notices

During July, property owners will begin receiving their 2023/24 annual rates notice from Council.

You can elect to pay your rates in full as a lump sum (which is due to be paid by 15 February 2024). You can also opt to pay your rates in quarterly instalments, which are due on or before 30 September 2023, 30 November 2023, 28 February 2024 and 31 May 2024. To assist in working toward these due dates, payments can be made on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis using a formal payment arrangement.

If you’ve noticed that your contact details are incorrect, are unsure about your valuation or have any questions or would like to discuss payment of your rates, please contact Julie in Council’s Rates Department on 5494 1200. If you anticipate that you might have an issue in paying your rates, please make sure to chat with Council.

For more information visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/For-residents/Your-home/Your-property-valuation-and-rates

Victorian Business Innovation Survey

The Victorian Business Innovation Survey is being undertaken to help the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) gain a better understanding of what innovation looks like across the Loddon Mallee region.

The results of the survey will help inform DJSIR’s place-based approach to economic development that supports innovation by Victorian businesses.

The survey is expected to take around 10-15 minutes to complete and closes on 31 July 2023.

To complete the survey click here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/business-innovation-survey

If you have any questions about the content of this survey, please don’t hesitate to contact either Tate Soller from DJSIR at tate.soller@rdv.vic.gov.au or William Li from Sapere at wli@thinksapere.com

VNI West Constraints Report 

Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) has recently released an Environmental Constraints Summary Report for the VNI West Project.

The Report prepared by engineering and environment consultant AECOM – provides a summary of the environmental and technical constraints that have been identified up until now within the VNI West area of interest and will be taken into consideration in the route refinement process.  

The report includes a series of maps which illustrate the identified constraints across six distinct categories:

  • Agriculture
  • Ecological values
  • Aboriginal cultural heritage
  • Flooding
  • Land use and infrastructure
  • Engineering

The Environmental Constraints Summary Report is based on detailed desktop analysis and expert workshops, along with information gathered through the community and stakeholder discussions undertaken by TCV in recent months.

To read a copy VNI West Area of Interest environmental constraints click here  https://www.transmissionvictoria.com.au/assets/PDF/230630_VNI%20West%20TA%20-%20Summary%20Report_F_DIGITAL.pdf

Congratulations Crystal and Junior

Wedderburn’s Crystal Hardiman is the first recipient of the Zonta Aboriginal Women and Girls Achievement Award. Crystal received her award at the Bendigo and District Aboriginal ceremony to mark the start of NAIDOC week.

I would also like to congratulate Junior Whyman on being an equal winner of the Aboriginal Co-Operatives Youth Sportsman Award. Junior has also been selected for the Richmond Football club under 18s Next Generation Football Academy of 2023.

Help us improve mental health services in our community

Murray Primary Health Network (PHN) wants to make sure that psychosocial recovery services are available to those people who need support right across the region.

From May to July 2023, they are completing a review of the Psychosocial Recovery Services program. They want to understand:

  • Do you know about and have you been supported by the Psychosocial Recovery Services program?
  • What have your experiences with the program been like? What parts of the program have been helpful for you?
  • What changes could be made to make the program better?
  • How can we better promote the program in rural and remote areas?

Join them for a cuppa and have your say about how mental health services could be improved in our community.

In recognition of your time and feedback, all eligible community members who contribute will be provided with a $50 Coles/Woolworths gift card.

Wedderburn Community House

Tuesday 18 July 2023

10am – 12pm

If you would like more information or interested in attending one of our community conversation sessions, feel free to complete the short form here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z2QPCGX  

Registration is not compulsory, and you are welcome to join the sessions without signing up.

For more information please visit https://larter.com.au/psychosocialrecoverymurray/

Report a road issue

I’d also just like to take this opportunity to remind community members that the quickest way to report a road issue is directly to Council itself. This is so issues can be logged in the system and dealt with as soon as possible – ensuring your concern is documented and dealt with efficiently.

Council takes its responsibility to provide a road network seriously and appreciates the community’s feedback. Council has designated staff who are responsible for taking these enquires and ensuring that they are seen to.

If you encounter an issue or wish to make a complaint about one of Council’s roads, you can contact the roads team through the main office number on 5494 1200.

Issues can also be lodged via Council’s website at http://www.loddon.vic.gov.au and clicking on “Report an issue”.

Council also operates an after-hours service for urgent road issues, this is also accessed through the (03) 5494 1200 phone number.

There are several roads in Loddon Shire that are the responsibility of VicRoads. These include the highways and major routes. Issues on these roads can be reported to VicRoads on 13 11 70. 

A list of VicRoads roads within Loddon Shire can be found on Council’s website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Footpaths-roads-and-drains/Roads and opening the appropriate tab.

 

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