Loddon Shire Mayoral Column
Published on 21 October 2019
Planning support for pig and poultry producers
Small-scale pig and poultry producers in Victoria are eligible to apply for funding of up to $3,000 to help them with the costs associated with obtaining a land use planning permit.
The funding may be used to cover costs associated with obtaining a planning permit, including cost of consultancy, training, soil testing and on-farm works to address environmental and amenity risks. To find out more information, including if your project is eligible, click on the link: https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/planning-support-program-for-smallscale-pig-and-poultry-producers-vic.
On-farm energy grants open
Another opportunity for eligible primary producers is the on-farm energy grant that supports farm businesses to improve energy efficiency, manage energy costs, improve reliability and support own-generation capacity.
The funding is on a co-contribution basis and is offered over three levels, from simple equipment upgrades through to projects that will have a significant regional impact and could involve multiple farm businesses.
For all information including eligibility and application details, follow this link http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farm-management/agriculture-energy-investment-plan/grants.
Councillor service awards
Two of our Councillors were recognised for long service at the Municipal Association of Victoria Annual Dinner at the Annual Conference in Melbourne last Thursday.
Cr Geoff Curnow was recognised for ten years of service, representing Tarnagulla Ward. Cr Colleen Condliffe, Inglewood Ward councillor, was recognised for fifteen years of service.
On behalf of all Councillors, I would like to extend our congratulations and thank you both for your service to the Loddon Shire.
Naturally Loddon final events
A wonderful spring of events and activities in the Naturally Loddon Spring Calendar is drawing to an end with only a few more opportunities left to take part.
On the final weekend, there is the Stand Up Paddleboarding event which features a guided tour on the Loddon River at Serpentine. This is a relaxing way to fully experience the natural beauty of the river in a perfect combination of fun, exercise and adventure.
The final event in the series is the Inglewood Alive Festival on Sunday 3 November. The festival transforms Inglewood’s main street into a vibrant space filled with gourmet food, live entertainment, market stalls, polished cars and children’s activities. All the details may be found on our new regional tourism website https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/visit-loddon-valley/whatson.
Laanecoorie boat ramp extension
The extension of the boat ramp at the Laanecoorie foreshore was recently completed. The canoe launch pad is currently being flood proofed and will be installed in the coming weeks.
The Laanecoorie Loddon River Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and Loddon Shire Council will hold the official opening on Friday 25 October at 2pm to celebrate the completion of the boat ramp extension and the reopening of the Spillway Reserve.
Everyone is welcome to the opening which will be followed by afternoon tea at the Laanecoorie Spillway Reserve. The newly extended boat ramp will make it much easier to launch boats and canoes into the river at the reserve.
Did you know
Last week the Victorian Ombudsman released its report ‘Revisiting councils and complaints’. The report shows that treating complaints as an opportunity to improve services and identify areas of improvement helps councils to better serve their residents.
Loddon Shire received 65 complaints and 10,419 requests for service in 2018. We are committed to responding to complaints and improving our practices wherever possible. Over time, we aim to improve the way in which we record and analyse this sort of information.