Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 25 July 2023

Published on 25 July 2023

Mayor-Dan Straub

Governance Rules review

Following a period of internal review, Council endorsed the Draft Governance Rules for the purpose of community engagement in accordance with the Local Government Act.

Members of the community are now invited to review the Draft Governance Rules, available from our website, and provide any feedback by 9am on Tuesday, 8 August. A document summarising amendments is also available from the website https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Documents-for-public-comment

Council will consider feedback at its August Forum, before considering adoption of the Governance Rules at its August Council meeting.

Commonwealth Games

I share the community’s disappointment upon learning that Victoria will no longer host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, as announced by Premier Daniel Andrews on 18 July.

In place of the Games funding, Premier Andrews has announced a $2 billion investment package in regional Victoria, $600 million less than initially promised investment into hosting the Games.

The package will fund projects including a new Aquatic Centre in Armstrong Creek, a 6-court indoor stadium in Waurn Ponds, upgrading Eureka Stadium in Ballarat to seat 10,000 spectators, a new community sporting facility at Miners Rest, upgrades to Bendigo Stadium, BMX trails in Shepparton, Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park, Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe and more.

Several funding streams will become available to support tourism product, industry and infrastructure over the next few years. Loddon Shire’s objective is to tap into programs that will accelerate the development of our tourism industry and strengthen our natural and built tourism assets and experiences.  

Reminder: David Younger community dinner

Clinical psychologist and natural disaster recovery and preparedness consultant David Younger will discuss common recovery challenges at the Bridgewater Hotel on Friday 4 August.

David’s journey in assisting communities began back in 2009 during the devastating Black Saturday fires. As a clinical psychologist, he witnessed firsthand the immense challenges that communities faced in the aftermath of such a catastrophic event. However, he also recognised that within adversity, there are opportunities for recovery and growth.

I am grateful for David’s commitment to serving communities and making a difference in the lives of those affected by natural disasters.

Come and listen to David talk about common recovery challenges along with tips and pointers that can help you and your community recover better. Blending storytelling, scientific findings, and real life experiences.

  • Friday 4 August 2023
  • 6pm for a 6:30pm start
  • Bridgewater Hotel

Please RSVP for catering purposes to Manager Community Recovery mbrown@loddon.vic.gov.au or phone 0499 978 145.

2023 Junior Public Speaking competition

Last Sunday (23 July), I had the privilege of being part of the East Loddon Lions Club Junior Public Speaking competition. This competition saw talented and enthusiastic grade 3,4,5 and 6 students from East Loddon and Raywood Primary School compete to become Club Representatives, and progress to the Regional Competition.

In our rural Primary Schools, opportunities like these are difficult to access. It is programs such as these that play an important role in developing the next generation of public speakers, encouraging their confidence and speaking skills.

I would like to thank the dedication of the volunteers from the East Loddon Lions Club, teachers, judges and parents for a great afternoon. Congratulations to each and every participant for stepping up to the challenge and I wish the Club Representatives the best of luck as they progress onto the next stage.

Online farm business program helps manage risk

Agriculture Victoria is offering farmers an opportunity to participate in a free online business program designed to help farm businesses better manage risk in the face of a variable climate, particularly drought.

The online program, commencing in late July, is suitable for livestock, grains, mixed farmers, horticulturalists and apiarists.

Project Leader Kit Duncan-Jones said participants will improve their skills and knowledge to better prepare for and manage risk, adapt to change and strengthen their farm businesses.

‘The course is designed to help farmers set and achieve their individual business goals and is relevant to those who are new to farming and young farmers, as well as more experienced farmers.’

An introductory session will be run at the end of July, followed by 5 sessions on key farm management topics, including:

  • Identifying and managing risks, strategic planning and setting business goals
  • Financial management, budgeting and profitable decision making
  • Managing people on farm, succession planning and farm safety
  • Climate risk and natural resource management
  • Business planning.

As part of completing the course, participants will be offered a one-on-one session with an experienced farm management consultant to review their business plan.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Alsop on 0457 838 537

To register your interest, please complete this short survey https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/I4OrCZY1AJsQmKXTzRDR0B?domain=agriculturevictoria.cmail20.com  

Round 3 open - Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants Program

Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants is a small grants program aiming to contribute to the success, vibrancy and wellbeing of rural and regional communities nationwide.

Nutrien Ag Solutions seeks to support local grassroots organisations with funding for projects that are meaningful for their communities.

We require organisations interested in applying for a grant to first contact a Nutrien Ag Solutions branded store Branch Manager to be endorsed.

More information is provided in the guidelines and if you need help with this requirement simply get in touch with FRRR on the numbers below.

Applications close 5pm on 10 August 2023.

To find out more visit: https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/nutrien/?fbclid=IwAR26v5NKq7T0u3cwwleVntDgKW-ZpUDYsG5b5laGQJhParoGWqW_8wEaFac

 

 

 

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