Mayoral Column 1 June 2015

Published on 01 June 2015

Strategy aids sport and recreation

Council was presented with a draft recreation strategy last week, which will replace its existing document if adopted.

The Recreation Strategy 2015/2020 has been developed to assist Council in making informed and strategic decisions for its ongoing investment in sport and recreation services and facilities across the Shire.

The Recreation Strategy 2015/2020 will replace the Recreation Strategy 2007/2017. Council believed an updated plan was required to realign with current trends.

The Recreation Strategy 2015/2020 will aim to increase the number of people participating in sport and physical activities, improve the general health and wellbeing of the community, ensure existing facilities meet community needs, maximise facility usage and support the sustainability of local clubs and organisations.

Public comment is being sought, with submissions closing on Friday 19 June.

To view the document, visit Council’s website here. For more information, contact the Wedderburn office on 5494 1200.

Environment local law to be renewed

Residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback on Council’s updated Local Law No 4 – Environment.

There are some minor amendments to the local law, which sees the rules relating to the erection of temporary dwellings and fires in open air included in the document.

Penalties have also increased for the first time in 16 years. Once adopted, the local law will be in place for ten years.

Residents can view the draft Local Law 4 – Environment by going to Council’s website, here or by visiting the Wedderburn office. The document will be on display for public comment until the end of June.

Golden era for Inglewood

Inglewood Station and Goods Shed have been transformed into a health centre, business incubator and community space after an extensive refurbishment of the disused buildings.

I will join with the Minister for Public Transport, the Honourable Jacinta Allan to officially open the building on Thursday 4 June at 10.30am.

VicTrack worked with the Shire and the local community to restore the building into an area that would be utilised by the region.

The $1.1 million restoration works were completed under the state government’s Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings Program.

Loddon Shire has taken the head lease of both buildings. This will help support our social and economic development objectives for Inglewood and the greater district.

The Inglewood and Districts Health Service will occupy the station building, which has been converted into an overflow office accommodating its allied health practitioners. The large open plan area of the station will also cater for community activities.

Workspace Australia and the Goldfields Choir will occupy the Goods Shed.

This project is a wonderful addition to Inglewood. I thank VicTrack and the state government for bringing this project to fruition.

Digital community workshop

Loddon Shire is calling on businesses and organisations to attend a community workshop, where Council will commence development of a digital community strategy.

The workshop will work towards planning for how residents and businesses will use the NBN efficiently when it arrives.

This is an opportunity for residents to take part in the conversation about what the region should do to create a better future, using digital technologies and support the long-term growth of the region’s economy.

The workshop will be held at the Serpentine Bowling Club on Wednesday 10 June at 6pm.

RSVP by Monday 8 June by calling Christine Coombes on 5494 1200 or email ccoombes@loddon.vic.gov.au.