Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 16 April 2024

Published on 16 April 2024

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Fire Danger Period lifted

The Fire Danger Period for Loddon Shire was lifted on Monday 8 April 2024.

The CFA is reminding community members that although the Fire Danger Period has ended, it is still important to ensure that local conditions are safe for any burn-off you’re considering undertaking.

You must register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws and regulations.

Registering your burn-off ensures that if somebody reports smoke, the incident will be cross-checked with the burn-off register, which will then prevent volunteer firefighters being taken away from workplaces, families and potentially genuine emergencies.

Landowners can now register their burn-off online at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au

Alternatively, you can register with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) by calling 1800 668 511 or emailing burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au

For more information, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property/burning-off

Combating Invasive Weeds – community forum

Loddon Plains Landcare Network is hosting an event dedicated to combating invasive weeds head on in Central/North Western Victoria. This forum will bring together government agencies and dedicated community members to share strategies and insights on eradication, containment and prevention.

From identifying invasive species to effective management techniques, LPLN will delve into every facet of weed control. Whether you are an experienced “weed warrior” or new to the cause, this event offers something for everyone.

Forum details

  • Thursday 9 May 2024
  • 10.00am – 4.00pm
  • Loddon Plains Landcare Network
  • 28 Station Street, Inglewood

To register, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/combating-invasive-weeds-a-community-action-forum-for-effective-weed-control

VNI West – April 2024 community drop-in sessions  

TCV are hosting a series of informal drop-in sessions in April to provide local communities with information on key topics of interest including the VNI West planning and approvals process, route refinement, landholder compensation and next steps for the project.

The project team will be joined at each event by specialists in areas including compensation, agriculture, environment and technical matters related to VNI West at the upcoming drop-in sessions.

  • 16 April 2:30pm – 7:30pm – Kerang Memorial Hall
  • 17 April 2:30pm – 7:30pm – Charlton Hall
  • 18 April 2.30pm - 7.30pm - Stawell Entertainement Centre 

Please visit transmissionvictoria.com.au for further information.   

Dog and cat registrations

Council implemented a new corporate software package in March, which has caused some delays in registrations renewal notices being sent out later than usual.

The renewal notices will be sent out in the coming weeks once all the relevant data conversion testing protocols are finalised.

The due date for payment will in turn be delayed, allowing owners the same four-week timeframe for payment after the notices are received.

Make sure to keep an eye on Council’s Facebook page, where we will confirm the new due date for payment once the notices have been sent out.

Please note that will not be issuing any infringement notices in the meantime for not renewing your animal’s registration.

2025 kindergarten enrolments open

2025 kindergarten enrolments across Loddon Shire open from the 22 April, 2024.

The enrolment period has been brought earlier in the year to align with the Foundation (Prep) Victorian government primary school’s enrolment timeline.

This should make it easier for families to have one enrolment period across the Shire.

Kindergarten is free and children attend sessions for 15 hours per week that is spread across three days.

Parents and carers who would like to enrol their child or children in the 2025 three or four-year-old kindergarten program can visit

www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Services-for-our-younger-residents/Kindergartens

Council’s early year’s team are also happy to post out enrolment forms to support families who may be having trouble accessing the online enrolment form.

Ninety per cent of a child’s brain develops by the time they turn 5 – the benefits of going to kinder for two years before school can last a lifetime.

Kindergarten is an important step for children and is strongly recommended for all children.

Research shows that kindergarten improves children’s health and wellbeing, helps them to develop strong social skills and encourages a love of learning.

Council looks forward to receiving kindergarten enrolments from families and sending out first round offers from the 19 August this year. Second round offers will be sent to families from the 16 September.

For more information or queries regarding kindergarten enrolment, please call Kindergarten Coordinator, Alycia O’Sullivan at Council on (03) 5494 1200. 

School Student Broadband Initiative

The School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) powered by nbn is an Australian Government program that offers free home internet to up to 30,000 families with school aged children until December 2025.

To be eligible for SSBI program, families must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school (up to year 12 including Prep in Qld/Vic/Tas).
  • Not have an active nbn network internet service at home. Having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility.
  • Live in a premises that can access the nbn network via a standard connection.
  • Not have had an active nbn connection during the previous 14 days.

There are two ways to join the SSBI program:

  1. Be identified and referred by a Nominating Organisation, or;
  2. Parents/carers not currently working directly with an existing Nominating Organisation will be able to self-nominate via the National Referral Centre https://www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet/ However, eligibility rules will apply, which will be determined through an assessment conducted by the NRC.

For more information, please visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/internet/national-broadband-network/school-student-broadband-initiative-ssbi

 

 

 

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