Mayoral Column 11 February 2019
Published on 11 February 2019
Look Over the Farm Gate grants close in March
A reminder that Look Over the Farm Gate applications are open until March 2019.
Community groups, local government and VFF branches are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $1,500 to run social events and community initiatives that bring together neighbours and the community to spend some time off farm to relax with family and friends.
Look Over the Farm Gate is a mental health and wellbeing initiative funded by the Victorian Government (drought support funding committed in September 2018), and managed by the Victorian Farmers Federation in partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Country Women’s Association, Country Fire Authority, and National Centre for Farmer Health.
Applications are assessed on a first-in-best-dressed basis.
For more information and how to apply, visit https://lookoverthefarmgate.org.au/
Check before you dive
As summer continues, the Victorian Government is appealing to Victorians, particularly young people, to stay safe and be aware of the risks associated with diving into water.
Living in the Loddon region, many of us enjoy recreational activities during the summer months, including swimming, in and around our river and lakes.
According to the State Government, every year, around six people come to the Victorian Spinal Cord Service with their lives irreversibly changed by a split-second decision to jump into shallow water.
Factors such as unfamiliar water, shifting sands and a lack of visibility can all create a risky environment for diving into water. Whether it’s a backyard swimming pool, river, creek, ocean or lake, you need to know the depth of water before diving in.
I’d also just like to remind residents to not swim in channels.
Swimming in channels poses a range of hidden risks. While a channel might look still and calm, it could have strong undercurrents, hidden pipes, weeds and debris, varying depths, regulator gates that can open and close quickly, drains and submerged trees, sandbars and rocks.
For more information on channel safety, visit Goulburn-Murray Water’s website:
www.g-mwater.com.au/recreation-tourism/dont-swim-in-channels
Free waste disposal day reminder
Just a reminder about the free waste disposal days scheduled for this weekend.
A free waste disposal day will be held this Saturday 16 February at the Inglewood Transfer Station from 8am to 12pm.
On Sunday 17 February, there will be free waste disposal at Boort Landfill from 1pm to 5pm, Pyramid Hill Landfill from 8am to 12pm, Newbridge Landfill from 1pm to 5pm, Wedderburn Transfer Station from 8am to 12pm and Dingee Transfer Station from 10am to 2pm.
To find out more, visit www.loddon.vic.gov.au
Tendering opportunities
Council currently has a number of tender opportunities available, including:
• Construction and installation of culverts and crossings on Mologa-Durham Ox Road, Hudson Lane and Pigeonhole Road.
• Survey and data collection of urban stormwater and drainage infrastructure in a number of Council towns.
• The renovation of the supper room and kitchen area at the Bridgewater Town Hall.
• Installation of underground stormwater drainage infrastructure in Verdon Street, Inglewood.
• Connors Road bridge replacement.
For copies of contract documentation (or to view other tender opportunities), visit Council’s electronic tendering website: www.eprocure.com.au/loddon/
The e-tendering website provides a simple, secure and efficient means for managing tendering activities and quotations. If you would like to respond to a tender, you must first register. Registration is free.
Some of the tenders close soon, so please ensure you visit Loddon’s eProcure website if you are interested in submitting a tender.
Did you know?
Council maintains approximately $35 million worth of bridges and major culverts throughout the Shire