Mayoral Column 30 April 2018

Published on 30 April 2018

Domestic Animal Management Plan out for comment

At its Ordinary Meeting for April, Council resolved to advertise the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2018-2021 for public comment.

The Domestic Animal Management Plan sets out the framework for the planning and management of animal services across our Shire over the next four years.

All councils are required to prepare an animal management plan under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. Although our residents do have a large variety of species of animals as their pets, in its use of the term “domestic animals” the Act only refers to cats and dogs.

The draft animal management plan outlines a number of strategic outcomes around issues associated with pets and pet ownership in our Shire. These outcomes include increasing pet registrations and microchipping, dealing with nuisance issues associated with pets, decreasing the incidence of dog attacks and managing dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs.

The plan’s outcomes also aim to reduce the number of stray, abandoned and unwanted pets, decrease the incidence of pet abuse or mistreatment, and gain greater knowledge of pet-related tourism in the Shire.

To view the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan visit Council’s website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au. Go to “Our Documents” and click “Documents for public comment” under the dropdown box.

You can also view the draft plan at the Wedderburn and Serpentine Council offices.

Comments to the draft plan close at 5pm on Friday 18 May.

New fund for locals, decided by locals

The Victorian Government has announced a new community building fund that will see people nominate and decide on their own funding priorities.

Pick My Project will see people submit their project ideas for consideration. Your project could be anything from sporting and recreation infrastructure, community arts projects, improvements to community facilities or the local environment.

All you need is an idea that helps build a stronger community and the backing of a local organisation, community group, school, local council or other eligible group able to help deliver the project.

Communities will then get to vote for the projects they think are most important, giving local residents the first and final say on the best way to improve their local area.

Projects between $20,000 and $200,000 are eligible for the program, which is open to residents aged 16 years and over. The program is backed by $30 million from the 2018/19 state budget, and will be spread across Victoria, giving every community the opportunity to benefit.

Pick My Project is a great opportunity to work with Loddon Shire (and the State Government) to secure funding for your favourite local idea or project that may not come under other grant programs.

The initiative starts in May with winning projects to be announced in September 2018. To find out more and register your interest visit pickmyproject.vic.gov.au

Young Farmers Advisory Council

Expressions of Interest to join the Victorian Government’s Young Farmers Advisory Council are now open.

The Young Farmers Advisory Council provides a strong voice for young people in agriculture and serves to develop the sector leaders of tomorrow.

The council is a group of passionate young people from various agricultural industries and regions, who advise government on issues affecting young people in agriculture and on program delivery. Council members also act as young ambassadors to attract new entrants to the state's vibrant agriculture sector.

Expressions of Interest to join the council close on 11 May 2018. To find out more visit www.vic.gov.au/youngfarmers

Sustainability Victoria Energy Assessment Grant

Applications for Sustainability Victoria’s (SV) Boosting Business Productivity energy assessment grants are now open for Victorian businesses that spend over $20,000 per year on energy costs.

There are two grant types available – a basic energy assessment grant and detailed energy assessment grant.

The basic energy assessment grant will provide up to $2000 towards the cost of a basic energy assessment and a further $3000 bonus to help implement energy efficiency actions. The detailed energy assessment grant will provide half the cost of an assessment up to $15,000 and a further $5000 bonus to implement energy efficiency actions.

A Business Productivity team adviser is available to guide you through the application process. The adviser can also tell you about other SV support services available, such as Materials Efficiency Grants, Gas Efficiency Grants and free Sustainable Finance service.

Applications close on Friday 28 September 2018. For more information visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Grants-and-Funding and go to “Energy assessment grants”.