Mayoral Column 4 April 2016
Published on 04 April 2016
Canberra trip to position pipeline plans
Securing the construction of the South West Loddon Pipeline is one of Council’s highest priorities.
I’m pleased to report we have a prime opportunity to put our farming community’s case forward later this month.
On Tuesday 19 April a Council delegation including acting CEO Marg Allan, Wedderburn Ward Councillor Gavan Holt, and myself are set to travel to Canberra to discuss the project.
Meetings have been secured with senior advisors to the Water Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and to the Minister for Regional Development and Deputy Leader of the Nationals, Fiona Nash.
This is a fantastic opportunity to personally reiterate the pipeline arguments addressed in the $10 million application we recently submitted through the national Stronger Regions Fund to support the project.
I look forward to reporting back to you on the outcome of the meeting as we move closer towards providing a secure water supply for our farming community.
Bridgewater Foreshore concept plans released
Photo caption: Concept plans reveal a project designed to enhance the natural beauty of a popular riverside location.
Take the time to look at freshly released concept plans detailing a $400,000 redevelopment of Bridgewater Foreshore and you’ll see why residents living in the beautiful riverside town are likely to be the envy of many.
While the natural beauty of the location is no secret to most within our Shire, the project really presents an opportunity to showcase and establish Bridgewater as a destination of choice.
This project is one of the most significant tourism focused projects we will undertake within the Shire this year.
The concept plans reveal walking paths and cycling tracks featuring sculptural markers designed to encourage further exploration towards the next focal point which could be a seating wall, bench table or viewing platform.
It’s really about capturing passing traffic, whether that be local or visiting, and enhancing the natural beauty of what is already a highly visited location to a level where it becomes a place people choose to return.
Bridgewater is already a mecca for water-skiers, fishing and canoe clubs and prides itself on hosting major sporting events such as The Australian Masters Water Ski Championships and annual Bridgewater Triathlon and Duathlon.
Once the Foreshore and Streetscape redevelopment projects are complete Bridgewater is sure to move from strength to strength.
Green light for next streetscape stage
The Wedderburn Streetscape Improvement Project has been given the green light to move forward.
Council resolved at its recent meeting to issue a permit to complete the remainder of the $3.2 Million project.
Wedderburn residents can now look forward to their main street and surrounds becoming a more accessible, open and visually appealing place to live and work.
Civil construction works including footpaths, kerb and channels, drainage and paving works will provide a pedestrian friendly environment which has a modern appeal, while retaining the memorial gates at the picturesque Jacka Park as a respectful focal point.
It’s exciting to contemplate what a difference the streetscape improvement works will make to the liveability and attractiveness of the central strip through High Street for residents and visitors alike.
Once the civil construction works are complete, landscaping works including the planting of mature Chinese Elms, will provide the finishing touches to a project which will undoubtedly further position Wedderburn as an attractive lifestyle option for families and retirees.