Mayoral Column 9 October 2017
Published on 09 October 2017
Gravel roads and harvest season
Council would like to hear from producers across the Shire regarding what gravel roads they plan to use for this season’s harvest. This is so Council can help ensure our gravel road network can cater to the expected increase in heavy vehicles and traffic during the coming months.
By getting the information now regarding what producers are planning for this year’s harvest, Council will be helped enormously in planning its grading and maintenance works beforehand and making sure specific roads that are expected to be heavily trafficked during harvest are ready for use.
Council is asking producers what gravel roads will need to be used, how many truck movements and tonnes are expected, and roughly what dates they will be transporting for harvest.
I understand that the use of certain roads, time periods and how many truck movements are required during harvest season can change from year-to-year. However, any information you can provide Council regarding expected road use will be of benefit.
Producers can provide Council with this information via email to loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au
Further to the update in Council’s September edition of the Loddon Bulletin, Council recognises that some flood impacted roads require maintenance before they are fully restored.
Council will be appointing contractors to undertake maintenance works on roads seriously impacted by the 2016 flooding, with the view to making these roads safe for the upcoming harvest season before full restoration works are completed. Contractors are expected to be on board by the end of the month.
In addition, Council has put out for tender the major contract for flood damage restoration works for sealed and unsealed road repairs; this tender was advertised from the end of last month.
Murray PHN – have your say
Murray Primary Health Network (Murray PHN) is encouraging people in our region to speak up and have their say on health.
Health Voices is an easy-to-use online platform that gives community members the opportunity to say what is important to them and their families and to share recent experiences in the health system. It’s quick to register, and you will be asked for your opinion only every month or two. Your information will not be shared with anyone outside Murray PHN.
Murray PHN wants to hear from people of any age across our community, including those who work or volunteer in health.
With local experience and input, Murray PHN can work towards access to the right care, in the right place and at the right time. To register, go to: www.murrayphn.org.au/health-voices
Walk to School this October
It’s great to see so many of our schools around the Shire taking part in this month’s Walk to School 2017, joining hundreds of primary schools from across Victoria.
VicHealth’s Walk to School encourages local primary school kids and their families to walk, ride or scoot to and from school during October. Remember, if you can’t walk the whole way, part way is okay!
As part of Walk to School, activity days will be held for schools in Boort, Wedderburn, East Loddon, Pyramid Hill, Inglewood, Bridgewater and Tarnagulla. These activity days will include games and athlete visits, and information about healthy eating and physical activity from local health services.
To find out more, contact Council’s Walk to School Project officer on 5437 7999.
Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program reminder
A quick reminder that applications for the 2018 Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program close at the end of this month.
The part-time program aims to support those who are passionate about and proactive in their community, industry or sector. It does this by building their skills and confidence, introducing them to regional issues and innovative ideas for action, leaders from all walks of life, and expanding their current networks and impact.
For more information visit https://cllm.org.au/lmclp/apply/, contact Lucy Mayes on 0437 871 650 or email applications@cllm.org.au.