Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 31 October 2023
Published on 31 October 2023
Container Deposit Scheme
The Container Deposit Scheme is a Victorian Government initiative that rewards Victorians with a 10c refund for every eligible drinking container they recycle at designated refund points.
Who will run the scheme?
Visy are the Network Operators and are responsible for establishing and maintaining collection points across Loddon Shire.
How will the Container Deposit Scheme work?
- You purchase a drink.
- You return your empty drink container to a refund collection point.
- You receive a 10c refund for every eligible container you return. You can choose to keep the funds or donate to a participating charity, community group, environmental group, educational organisation or sports group.
- Your returned container is given a new lease on life. The material is recycled and remanufactured into a new product, saving it from landfill or littering the environment.
What type of refund point will Loddon Shire residents have as determined by Visy?
Over the counter refund point may be located at businesses or organisations in the community. Once you hand over the containers, they will count them and provide a refund.
Which containers are eligible for a refund?
- Most beverage containers (between 150ml and 3L) made from:
- Aluminium
- Plastic bottles
- Glass bottles
- Steel bottles/cans
- Paperboard cartons (ie fruit juice boxes & flavoured milk under 1L)
Where will I be able to return my drink containers?
Locations for Loddon Shire can be found at https://cdsvic.org.au/locations
To read about the CDS visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/For-residents/Your-home/Garbage-and-recycling/Container-Deposit-Scheme://cdsvic.org.au/
Fire Danger Period for Loddon announced
The Fire Danger Period for Loddon Shire begins at 1am on 13 November.
This means that fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit from the CFA .
Fire Danger Periods are based on local conditions and take into account fuel moisture, fuel loads, grassland curing, weather and rainfall.
Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces.
The use of an incinerator, chainsaw/lawn mower, welding/grinding equipment and vehicles that come in contact with vegetation and machinery with an internal combustion/heat engine are permitted provided conditions are followed.
Anyone who breaches a Total Fire Ban declaration is subject to heavy legal penalties, including large fines and even imprisonment.
For more information about what you can and can’t do during the Fire Danger Period, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can
To apply for a fire permit visit https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-permits/fire-permits
Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/farms
Upcoming Special Meeting
A Special Meeting of the Loddon Shire Council will be held on Tuesday 14 November 2023.
The Special Meeting will be held in the Loddon Shire Council Chambers, Peters Street, Wedderburn and will deal with:
- the term and Election of Mayor for 2023/24
- Appointments to Committees
Click the link to go to watch the live stream of our Special Meeting https://www.facebook.com/LoddonShire/
Scheduled time to be published Monday, 6 November. For more information visit Council’s website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Council/Council-Meetings.
Projects update
Please see below a brief update on the projects happening around the Shire.
Donaldson Park Community Hub works are continuing to progress on schedule as part of Stage 1. The indoor fit out, including plumbing, electrical work and cabinetry is all nearing completion. Outside, the concrete has recently been poured for the veranda and completion of the gabion wall earthworks. There is still further outdoor concrete and drainage work to be done. The demolition of the existing Donaldson Park facility is expected to be undertaken in November 2023.
Pyramid Hill Streetscape Project is moving ahead and we are getting closer to completion.
Stormwater drainage plans have been agreed upon and installation will begin soon. The workout and playground area will be temporarily closed to the public after the Melbourne Cup to allow for concrete and drainage works to be completed between 2-3 weeks.
Lions Park, Pyramid Hill is complete. Hoping to complete the area adjacent to the Hall in the next couple of weeks.
Calivil Bowling Green ground works have been completed and the installation of the green is currently in progress. This project is nearing its completion and looks fantastic.
Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep results
Last Tuesday (31 October), I virtually participated in the barrier draw for this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup National Sweep. During the draw, each of the 24 rural and regional Lexus Melbourne Cup tour destinations were allocated a specific barrier for this year’s race. I am delighted to announce that Loddon Shire (Boort) has drawn barrier 3.
What does this mean for our community?
If the winning horse of the Lexus Melbourne Cup emerges from barrier 3, Council will receive a generous donation of $50,000 towards our chosen charity, the Royal Flying Doctors.
This opportunity not only adds excitement leading up to the race but also allows us to potentially make a meaningful contribution to the important work carried out by the Royal Flying Doctors. Fingers crossed!
Congratulations
East Loddon students Jack Hocking, Marley and Angus Addlem travelled to Darwin to compete in the 2023 Country Swimming Championships from September 30 to October 4.
Marley won three gold medals and was the 16-year-old girl’s age champion. Gus won gold in the 14-year-old boys 200m butterfly. Jack competed in nine individual events in the under 12-year-old age group and swam personal bests in eight of them. Congratulations to you all. This is a fantastic result!
With the warmer weather now upon us, it is great to see the community participating in outdoor sports activities around the Shire. Please remember to slip, slop and slap.