Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 25 October 2023

Published on 26 October 2023

Harvest roads in focus

With harvest imminent, Loddon Shire is turning its attention to the grading and maintenance of roads used for harvest to prepare the road network for the expected increase in heavy vehicles and traffic during the coming months.

Council is turning its attention to these roads – including the sealed and gravel network – to make them safe for the upcoming harvest season.

Works are underway now, with restoration work to take place once this year’s harvest is complete.

Works request for issues on Council roads can be lodged on our website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au and clicking on “Report an issue” or by calling 5494 1200.

There are several roads in Loddon Shire that are the responsibility of Regional Roads Victoria. These include the highways and major routes. Issues on these roads can be reported to Regional Roads Victoria on 133 778.

A list of Regional Roads Victoria roads within Loddon Shire can be found on our website at https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Footpaths-roads-and-drains/Roads and opening the appropriate tab.

Australian Citizenship ceremony

On 24 October, I had the privilege of presenting citizenship certificates to our newest Australian citizens: Ashwani Bawa (India), Santosh Kumari (India), Gina Pacubas (Philippines), Darai Puttasri (Thailand) and Luis Salas (Philippines).

It was fascinating to hear all the different stories from our new citizens, and find out what inspired them to become Australians. Congratulations to all our new residents and thank you for choosing to call Loddon Shire home.

October Council meeting outcomes

At our recent meeting on 24 October, Council adopted the Annual Report 2022/23. The report outlines Loddon Shire Council’s performance over the 2022/23 financial year against the key objectives, strategies and priorities. The report is also an opportunity to reflect on the past year, as well as highlight the achievements of Council, Council staff and the community. This report is designed to meet our obligations under the Local Government Act 2020.

Find the Annual Report 2022/23 and past reports here www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Annual-Report

The Council also adopted the latest Loddon Shire Council Neighbourhood Safer Places Plan (NSP) for September 2023.

The plan includes and confirms designated NSPs within our municipality in the townships of Boort, Bridgewater, Inglewood, Pyramid Hill, Serpentine and Wedderburn.

To view the Neighbourhood Safer Places Plan visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Plans-strategies-and-policies/Plans-and-strategies

Telstra Footy Country grants update

Telstra and the AFL have announced the Telstra Footy Country Grants. This $2 million funding initiative, available annually for four years, aims to sustain and grow local footy.

Submissions for the grants will be open for applications from early 2024 to junior and senior AFL clubs across Australia (both metro and regional) giving them the opportunity to request funding up to $20,000 to cover a broad range of needs.

Co-funded by Telstra and the AFL, eligible clubs will be able to apply for grants to invest in everything from new equipment for new teams, themed guernseys to increase cultural awareness and new training programs to help support and upskill volunteers.

The intention of the grants program is to provide support to local clubs amidst challenges they may face including volunteer shortages and encourage diversity in clubs to grow the love of the game.

Ahead of officially launching applications in early 2024, clubs can submit expressions of interest for funding from today via https://www.play.afl/clubhelp/footy-country-grants

Inquiry into insurers’ responses to 2022 major flood claims

The Standing Committee on Economics has initiated an inquiry, following a reference from the House of Representatives on 7 August 2023, into how insurers handled claims from the 2022 floods.

It is important that all those affected have a chance to tell their story and share with the committee their experiences of dealing with their insurer.

To better understand the difficulties many are facing, a survey has been created to gather experiences. To participate in the survey visit https://www.aph.gov.au/floodinsurance. The information gathered will greatly assist the committee in its work.

If you have any questions about the inquiry or the survey, please contact the committee secretariat on 6277 4707 or floodinsurance.reps@aph.gov.au.

Pushbackbuybacks campaign update

Last Friday (20 October), Australian Senator David Van met with myself and other representatives of the Murray River Group of Councils (MRGC). We were joined by local business owners and industry leaders concerned about the potential reintroduction of water buybacks by the Australian Government.

Senator Van visited Cohuna and Gunbower, meeting with dairy farmers and industry representatives including members from the North Central Catchment Management Authority. This visit gave us the chance to showcase some of the projects that have been delivered under the Murray Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) to date. These projects may face scrutiny and possible cancellation if the full delivery of the MDBP is passed through federal parliament.

This meeting was a valuable opportunity for us to advocate for the Murray Darling Basin parameters and express our perspectives on the delivery of the MDBP.

You can help us to keep Australian-grown food on the tables of Australian families and stop the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Bill 2023 from becoming law by signing the petition https://www.mrgc.com.au/pushbackbuybacks/

Back-to-Bridgewater celebrations

Last weekend (20, 21 and 22 October), marked a special occasion for the Bridgewater community, with the centenary celebrations of the Bridgewater Memorial Hall. The hall was built as a memorial to the 93 locals who served in World War I of which 28 made the supreme sacrifice and officially opened back in 1923. Another major celebration coupled with the hall over the weekend was the local school's 150th anniversary.

Although, I was unable to attend the celebrations, I heard many mention how spectacular the display at the Bridgewater Airport was featuring vintage bi-planes. There was also live music by Connor Bulger, a former contestant on Australian Idol for everyone’s enjoyment.

Thank you to the organisers and volunteers for making this weekend a great success.

Pyramid Hill Debutante Ball

It was great to attend the Pyramid Hill Deb Ball last Friday (20 October), to watch the debutantes and their partners show their elegant gowns and demonstrated their dancing skills. It was wonderful to see so many young adults and their families come together to celebrate this momentous occasion to create special memories for life.