Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 30 January 2024

Published on 30 January 2024

Gavan-Holt.jpg

Back on the mend

I would like to thank everyone for their support and well wishes while I have been recovering from a severe case of pneumonia over the last few weeks, which, unfortunately, saw me in and out of intensive care at St John of God Bendigo. I’d like to thank the hospital and their fantastic staff for their excellent care during my stay.

I’d also like to thank Cr Wendy Murphy for chairing the January Council Meeting in my absence and Cr Dan Straub who stepped in to carry out my official Australia Day duties. I very much appreciate it.

I’m pleased to report that I am now back home and back on the mend.

Australia Day congratulations

Last Friday (26 January) saw a number of ceremonies take place across our Shire as communities came together to celebrate Australia Day 2024.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Australia Day Committee, community groups and volunteers for once again organising these fantastic local celebrations for Australia Day.

I’d like to congratulate Citizen of the Year Jude Raftis and Young Citizen of the Year Samantha Bewley.

Congratulations also go to the Ward Citizen of the Year:

  • Boort: Marjory Potter
  • Inglewood: Jany Clutton
  • Tarnagulla: James Metelmann
  • Terrick: Coral Maxted
  • Wedderburn: Margaret Bentley

Finally, I’d like to congratulate the students who took part in the colouring, photographic and literature competition and congratulations to all the winners and Highly Commended recipients. It was great to see the art work displayed at various locations across the Shire.

If you would like to read more about the Australia Day award recipients visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/News-and-public-notices/Australia-Day-2024-awards

January Council Meeting outcomes

Last week’s January Council Meeting saw a number of items presented for Councillors’ consideration.

This included the adoption by Council of the Privacy Policy v3. The purpose of this policy is to explain how Council will collect, hold, use and disclose personal and health information of individuals, how individuals can gain access to their information and correct inaccuracies, and how an individual may complain about possible breaches of privacy.

Some of the outcomes of the meeting included:

  • Provide public notice of Council’s intention to sell Council-owned properties.
  • Provide public notice of Council’s intention to sell part of the vacant land at 24-32 Wilson Street, Wedderburn to Ambulance Victoria.
  • Council enter into the North Central Goldfields Regional Library Agreement 2024
  • Award Contract 590 – Reconstruction of Pyramid Yarraberb Rd 2.6km to Berne Fleming Civil Pty Ltd.

To view the January Council Meeting agenda and minutes, visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Agendas-and-minutes

A reminder that Council Meetings take place on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 3pm. Meetings take place in the Council Chambers, off Peters Street, Wedderburn, and are open to the public.

Council Meetings are also streamed via Loddon Shire’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/LoddonShire

Regional Worker Accommodation Fund 

The $150 million Regional Worker Accommodation Fund provides new housing and accommodation for regional communities where workers in key industries and their families are struggling to find places to live.

The fund will support employers to attract and retain workers by supporting projects that create more affordable housing and accommodation. This will stimulate economic growth and support our regions to thrive.

It will support the delivery of housing, accommodation and related infrastructure, across all Victorian rural and regional Local Government Areas. It will be funded over three years, starting in 2023/24.

Applicants may apply for grants between $150,000 and $5,000,000 (ex GST) per project. Funding will be delivered in rounds.

For more information and details on how to apply, visit the Regional Development Victoria website https://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/regional-worker-accommodation-fund

Payment of rates

A reminder that if you have elected to pay your rates in full as a lump sum, payment is due on 15 February.

If you pay your rates by quarterly instalments, the next rates instalment is due on 28 February.

If you think you may not be able to pay by the due date and you believe you will have difficulties paying either the third instalment or in full, please contact Council's rates office on (03) 5494 1200 as soon as possible.

Council has options available to assist those facing genuine financial hardship and would be happy to discuss these with you in a confidential manner.

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

Back to school

As the new school year begins, I would like to recognise the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff, who have gone above and beyond to prepare for the year.

I wish all of the students and teachers going back to school this week all the best for the new school year. 

Tagged as:
Back to top