Mayoral Column 10 August 2015
Published on 10 August 2015
Wedderburn to undergo transformation
It is expected the first sod will be turned next month as Wedderburn’s main street starts to take its transformation.
The first part of the $2.3 million project will see the removal of overhead power lines, followed by construction of improved drainage works and a completely remodelled streetscape and landscaping works between Godfrey and Reef streets.
Residents can expect some disruptions to parking along High Street during the works and Powercor will notify residents of any expected power outages.
This is a wonderful project and one that we can’t wait to see take shape. Loddon Shire Council will be able to deliver the project after a large cash injection from the state government and a large contribution from Loddon Shire Council.
The revitalised main street will create a welcoming atmosphere to encourage greater visitation, provide opportunities for new businesses and promote the growth of existing businesses.
Call to artists
People in Loddon Shire are invited to put their imaginations to work to help spread a message of improving mental health.
The Loddon Healthy Minds Network has two categories, a school section (ages 14 to 18) and an open section for those 18 years-old and over.
Timed to link in with Mental Health Week, the competition is taking the theme of ‘good mental health has many colours’.
Artwork can be of any medium and may include painting, photography or sculpture. Artwork must be submitted by Monday 7 September.
The network, which is auspiced by Council, was formed in 2007 to actively pursue mental health issues as they relate to residents of the entire Loddon Shire.
For further enquiries about the art competition, please call Council’s Serpentine office on 5437 7999.
Revise community planning
It has been more than 10 years since the introduction of community planning to Loddon Shire.
The question I keep asking myself is – are our current community planning processes serving the best interests of our community, delivering the outcomes that our communities desire, and meeting the Council’s needs?
To answer this question, Council has decided to undertake a review of our community planning processes.
With this review, it is my hope that we can find ways to ensure that our community planning committees:
• are getting support at the right level
• are as effective as they can possibly be, and
• are developing plans that best fit their communities’ needs.
Working with council officers, a project facilitator will be engaged to assist with the review and to work with community planning committees, the broader community and Council.
The project will result in the preparation of a community development strategy to ensure that community planning remains relevant and future focused.
House and land packages available
Loddon Shire Council has partnered with a number of project builders to offer house and land packages in the housing estate at Wedderburn.
The Shire’s economic development team has received designs and costs and can now offer very competitive packages for three and four bedroom homes.
In partnership with the Wedderburn community, Council proactively sub-divided the land in order to provide large, fully serviced residential blocks for those looking to move to the area.
The blocks of land will also stimulate the economy with new houses being erected in our municipality.
People looking to develop on a block of land can secure the land offered for as little as $35,000 for a 1366m2 lot.
For more information, contact the Wedderburn office on 5494 1200.