Mayoral Column 25 May 2015

Published on 25 May 2015

The Business of Agribusiness

Council has partnered with the Central Victorian Agribusiness Forum to run an industry event in Loddon next week.

The Business of Agribusiness seminar will identify growth opportunities and offer insights on local and foreign investment.

We have attracted an impressive line-up of speakers, including Victorian Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development Jaala Pulford, Victorian Farmers Federation president Peter Tuohey, Andrew Smith from Rural Finance and Tom Russo from Elders Ltd.

The day is specifically designed for agricultural producers, agribusiness managers and those involved in the agribusiness sector. Lending advisors, government officials and those seeking funding will benefit from attending.

The Business of Agribusiness will be held at the Newbridge Recreation Reserve Clubrooms on 2 June. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. Tickets are $55 and can be booked online by following the prompts on Council’s website, www.loddon.vic.gov.au or at www.trybooking.com/123568. For more information, contact Martin Szakal on 0421 324 509.

Council works towards an active future

Loddon Shire Council has released its draft plan of its Recreation Strategy 2015/2020, with an active, healthy and inclusive community at the top of its priority list.

The Council will work towards these objectives by supporting community-based clubs and by implementing a diverse range of programs. We have a strong focus on increasing the accessibility of recreational activities to our community.

The key eight priorities are:

Support for sport and recreation clubs and organisations
Promoting participation in physical activities
Facility development
Climate proofing sporting facilities
Economic development
Strategy development and implementation
Promotion
Communication

Loddon Shire recognises the critical importance of sport and recreation to the Loddon community. We understand that sport is the social glue that binds our communities together, creating strong connections between residents, which in turn helps build social cohesion and reduces social isolation.

Under Council’s previous recreational strategy key projects including the refurbishment of 17 netball courts, the implementation of 39 climate proofing initiatives at sporting facilities, major upgrades at all swimming pools and development of tracks and trails throughout the Shire.

Residents are invited to have input into the plan, with the consultation period ending Friday 5 June 2015. Feedback can be provided in writing c/- Loddon Shire or via email addressed to Allan Stobaus astobaus@loddon.vic.gov.au.

For more information, visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or call Allan Stobaus or Tony Bellenger on 5494 1200

Business hub opens in Inglewood

A business incubator has opened in Inglewood, with Workspace Australia offering the site to small businesses.

The business hub will operate from the newly refurbished Inglewood Goods Shed.

This is a wonderful thing for our municipality. These hubs are open to any person looking to start their own business or in the early stages of business.

Workspace Australia is offering to assist business owners with marketing, finance and product development.

For more information, contact Workspace Australia on 5444 5228 or visit the website www.workspaceaustralia.com.

Digital savvy marketing

Last Tuesday I had the honour of launching our Loddon Valley App and eBook at the second Loddon Valley Business Network meeting.

This app and eBook will be used to help drive tourism in the municipality and increase visitor nights and spend within our communities.

These are powerful tools. They allow tourists to have information about our local attractions. It’s almost like having a guided tour at your fingertips. As a Council we understand the importance of being on all digital platforms. We want to be leaders to proactively bring tourists to the region.

The networking evening also had a component of professional development, with Loddon Shire’s Thomas Jackson educating local operators on the use of Instagram.

The next tourism networking meeting will be held on Tuesday 21 July from 6.30pm at Pyramid Hill. I encourage all businesses to take advantage of these meetings. For more information, contact the Loddon Visitor Information Centre on 5494 1257.