Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 19 December 2023

Published on 20 December 2023

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Reminder - Christmas kerbside waste collection

Kerbside collections scheduled for Christmas Day (Monday, 25 December 2023) will instead take place on Saturday, 23 December 2023.

Kerbside collections scheduled for New Year’s Day (Monday, 1 January 2024) will instead take place on Saturday 30 December 2023.

All other collections will continue as normal. All waste facilities across the Shire will be closed on Public Holidays.

Christmas and New Year service hours

I would also like to remind our community that the Council office in Wedderburn will close at 12pm Friday, 22 December 2023 and will reopen at 8.15am on Tuesday, 2 January 2024.

The Loddon Visitor Information Centre will be closed on Christmas Day, but is otherwise open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and from 10am to 2pm on Sundays and public holidays. For enquiries phone 5494 3489 or email loddonvisitorinformation@loddon.vic.gov.au.

This list of Council closures and changes to services may also be found on our website: www.loddon.vic.gov.au or call Council on 5494 1200.

Contract awarded for Pyramid Hill Community Centre Redevelopment

The contract for the Stage 1 redevelopment of the Pyramid Hill Community Centre has been awarded to Searle Brothers for $2.9 million.

The contract was awarded by Council at the November 2023 Council Meeting.

Stage 1 construction is expected to commence in February 2024, with a conservative build scheduled for completion mid-2025, subject to material supply and inclement weather.

The stage will include construction of:

  • allied health wing to accommodate Northern District Community Health and Maternal Child Health services
  • senior citizen’s room
  • upgraded toilet facilities
  • renovation of the current hall and kitchen
  • expansion of storage
  • improved car parking and access to the building

The awarding of the contract for Stage 1 of the project is a significant milestone and a wonderful step forward for the construction of this new community facility.

On behalf of Council, I’d like to thank all those who contributed to getting the Pyramid Hill Community Centre to this Stage 1 construction – including the Pyramid Hill community, Northern District Community Health and a number of other community organisations.

We look forward to working together with local organisations and the community on the first stage of this major redevelopment.

In 2019, Council received funding from the Victorian Government for the preparation of a master plan and feasibility study for the redevelopment of the existing Senior Citizens building into the Pyramid Hill Community Centre.

A $200,000 contribution was allocated to the project through Council’s 2021/22 annual budget process to support the design component of the project.

In 2021, Council received funding through the Victorian Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund for the development of detailed designs for all stages and funding for the construction of Stage 1.

In November this year, Council endorsed a recommendation to contribute $500,000 to the project through Council’s Terrick Ward strategic fund.

Additionally, Loddon Shire Council was invited to submit a funding application to the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program to deliver the final stage of the Community Centre.

The final stage includes the construction of a community wing to accommodate the neighbourhood house, library services and a community gym, with further parking included.

The outcome of this funding submission will be announced around March/April 2024 and if successful, will enable Council to deliver the project in its entirety.

Council allocates $1 million towards Inglewood Streetscape project

Loddon Shire Councillors have allocated $1 million from the Strategic Fund for the detailed design and costing of the Inglewood Streetscape project. It will also provide seed funding towards future funding applications.

Councillors allocated the funds at the November Council Meeting, following consideration of the report and detailed Project Management Plan.

The Inglewood Streetscape Project aims to enhance the visual appeal, functionality, safety and cultural significance of the streetscape in Inglewood. The project will consider various elements, including:

  • beautification
  • kerb and channel improvements
  • footpaths
  • underground power installation
  • greening initiatives
  • traffic calming
  • pedestrian safety enhancements
  • overall amenity improvement
  • place-making
  • integration of public art
  • heritage walking trails

I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Inglewood community for their work on this project.

There has been a huge amount work undertaken and contributed by the community to develop a concept masterplan for the streetscape.

Additionally, they have looked at different components and different ways the project could be broken down to ensure a deliverable project for a range of budgets.

On behalf of Council, I’d like to thank the Inglewood community and Inglewood Development and Tourism Committee on their outstanding efforts on the project so far.

The allocation of this funding by Council will now allow this project to become shovel ready, meaning Council will be able to seek funding opportunities – be they government or philanthropic, to help deliver this project.

Merry Christmas

I would like to take this opportunity to wish our community a very Merry Christmas and a safe holiday season spent with loved ones. It has been my pleasure to work with Councillors, Council staff and community through 2023 to help achieve our vision of a prosperous, vibrant and engaged community.

Our first Mayoral Column in the New Year will be published on Tuesday, 16 January 2024.

 

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