Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 30 May 2023

Published on 30 May 2023

Mayor-Dan Straub

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) is an opportunity to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land comprising the Loddon Shire area on which we live and work, the Dja Dja Wurrung and Barapa Barapa peoples. We pay our respect to the Elders of these communities past and present.

To find out more about National Reconciliation Week please visit the below links:

Reconciliation Australia: https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/

Reconciliation Victoria: http://www.reconciliationvic.org.au/

Canberra advocacy trip  

Recently, I had the privilege of representing Loddon Shire by travelling to Canberra alongside the Murray River Group of Councils (MRGC). Our goal was to discuss a number of regional issues that affect our Shire with Members of Parliament.

The days included meetings with:

  • Hon David Littleproud, Leader of the Nationals
  • Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development
  • Senator Perin Davey, Shadow Minister for Water and Emergency Management
  • Dr Rina Bruinsima, Deputy Coordinator General
  • Dr Anne Webster MP, Member for Mallee
  • Sam Birrell MP, Member for Nicholls
  • Andrew McConville, CEO Murray Darling Basin Authority
  • Daniel Mulino, House Economics Committee
  • Jessica Mitchell, Deputy Chief Of Staff to Senator the Hon Murray Watt,Minister for Agriculture and Emergency Services
  • Warren Tugg, Advisor to the Hon Ed Husic MP,Minister for Science and Industry

It was imperative for us to engage in meaningful conversations about emergency management. By voicing our concerns directly, we aimed to ensure that our Shire receives the necessary support and resources.

While in Canberra, we also had the opportunity to connect with The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Energy regarding AEMO VNI West project, and raise our concerns around not utilising the Murray River Renewable Energy Zone. We also met with the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Environment and Water, and had discussions around the Murray Darling Basin, and the impacts of further water buy backs.

One of the strong messages is that we want to make our voices heard, ensuring we are an active part of the decision making process. We refuse to be railroaded when it comes to essential matters concerning water, energy or planning. We want to reconnect our communities and make sure they are not forgotten.

Overall, I am pleased to report that our trip was productive, and we received a positive response from Federal Members of Parliament and advisors that we met with. They expressed a genuine interest in our concerns and assured us of their commitment to supporting our Shire. We will continue to engage with our elected representatives to ensure that our priorities remain at the forefront of their agenda.

The Murray River Group of Councils includes Loddon Shire, as well as Mildura Rural City, Swan Hill Rural City, Gannawarra Shire, Campaspe Shire and Moira Shire councils.

Online networking session for local  

Providing an environment that fosters connection, collaboration, and inspiration, this FREE online networking opportunity is for those who serve on local community hall committees across Victoria.

This month's discussion topic is: Raising Funds and Finding Grants

Date: Tuesday 6 June 2023

Time: 12.00pm to 1.00pm

Operating and maintaining a hall on behalf of your local community obviously requires money to undertake many of your tasks - even the most basic.

Whether it’s paying the insurance, keeping the lights on, replacing the roof, or any of the myriad of things in between, most of our responsibilities require funds.

So what does your hall do to source the dollars you need? How do you budget for the things you need to fund?

To register for the online networking session visit https://events.humanitix.com/networking-lunch-for-halls-committees-june-2023/tickets  

Business Victoria resources 

Embarking on a new business venture can be both exciting and daunting. To assist those who are taking their first steps, Business Victoria have developed a comprehensive guide that outlines the fundamental aspects of starting a business.

Starting and growing a business is a continuous learning process, and I understand the need to constantly upgrade skills, stay informed about emerging trends and embracing new technologies. Business Victoria has a wealth of resources at your fingertips to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

I encourage each and every one of you to take advantage of the resources available and leverage the support that is on offer.

For more information please visit https://business.vic.gov.au/learning-and-advice/courses-and-webinars?page=1

May Council Meeting outcomes

Quarterly reports for Local Laws and Planning Compliance and Road Management Plan Defect Rectification Compliance were received and noted by Council at its May Council meeting.

As outlined in the Road Management Plan (RMP) Defect Rectification Compliance report, Council’s road network is continuing to be assessed for flood damage with two roads still closed.

In accordance with Council’s RMP, on 18 October 2022 the Plan was suspended under the exceptional circumstances clause as it was it taking longer than usual for issues to be fixed on Council’s road network due to the flood damage.

Routine maintenance inspections, previously on hold so staff could gather information for flood damage repair funding, have now resumed.

The extent of the impact on Council’s ability to return to normal levels of road maintenance is still being assessed. In the meantime Council will maintain the network as safe as reasonably possible given the circumstances.

At the meeting, Council also:

  • Approved the Audit and Risk Committee Charter 2023-2025.
  • Authorised the Chief Executive Officer to enter into a new Service and Funding Agreement with the Goldfields Library Corporation.
  • Received and noted three Audit and Risk Committee documents being the Annual Performance Assessment (Survey) Report 2022-2023, Biannual Report – May 2023, and 1 May 2023 meeting Minutes.

Council considered one confidential report, the sale of a number of properties for rate recovery under section 181 of the Local Government Act 1989.

To view the Council agenda and minutes visit www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Agendas-and-minutes/Agendas-and-minutes-2023

The recording of the meeting is available via Council’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/LoddonShire

The next Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 27 June in the Loddon Shire Council Chambers, located behind the Wedderburn Council Offices (off Peters Street). The meeting will also be streamed on Council’s Facebook page.

 

 

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