Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 1 March 2022

Published on 01 March 2022

Boort Scarred Trees Masterplan – online workshop

The online workshop to view the developed concept design for the Boort Scarred Trees Masterplan, originally due to take place this Thursday (3 March), has been postponed.

Council will advise the community of the new date and time, which is expected to be during the week beginning 7 March, through its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LoddonShire

Questions regarding the project can be sent to loddonvisitorinformation@loddon.vic.gov.au

Loddon Valley Business Network Dinner

Loddon Shire business operators are invited to attend the Loddon Valley Business Network Dinner on Tuesday 15 March from 6pm to 8.30pm at the Newbridge Recreation Reserve.   

The evening will be an occasion to reconnect with new and existing businesses in the region and will feature a lineup of guest speakers to inspire and encourage you and your business into the year ahead.   

Guest speakers include owner of Alex Makes Meals Alex Dekker, Bendigo and Region City of Gastronomy’s Bradd Worrell, and a La Trobe University representative who will discuss student placement opportunities for local businesses.  

To confirm your attendance at the Loddon Valley Business Network Dinner, please RSVP to Faith Cooper by Thursday 10 March via email: fcooper@loddon.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5494 1257. 

The Loddon Shed – calling all Loddon producers

The Loddon Shed is looking to expand its product offering and is encouraging local Loddon producers interested in joining the online store to submit an expression of interest.

The Loddon Shed showcases the best of Loddon producers, growers and microbusinesses to offer a range of locally-produced products in one easy shopping experience.

There are plans for more hampers, featuring local produce focusing on themes such as the ‘new baby’ hamper, the ‘thinking of you’ hamper and many more.

To take part in The Loddon Shed, your business must either be located within the Loddon Shire or be a collaboration using produce from the Loddon Shire.

Expressions of interest can be sent to loddonvisitorinformation@loddon.vic.gov.au

For more information about The Loddon Shed and its range of products, visit www.theloddonshed.com.au

Council Meeting 22 February

At its February meeting last week, Council noted and reaffirmed its commitment to the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter.

The Charter, which Council adopted in 2019, recognises the need for increased women’s participation in key decision-making forums in the community and in democratic governance.

The February meeting also saw Council adopt the Bridges and Major Culverts Asset Management Plan as well as the Stormwater Drainage Asset Management Plan.

The Bridges and Major Culverts Asset Management Plan outlines key elements involved in managing Council’s bridges and major culverts, which are an important part of Council’s road network.

The Stormwater Drainage Asset Management Plan, the first for Loddon Shire Council, outlines key elements involved in managing stormwater runoff in Council’s urban areas.

Both plans combine management, financial, engineering and technical practices to outline a framework that ensures the level of service required by the community is provided at the lowest long-term cost and within the limits of Council’s fiscal constraints.

A number of quarterly reports were also presented at the February meeting. These included Public Health, Local Laws and Planning Compliance, Road Management Plan defect rectification compliance, Strategic Planning, Statutory Planning Permit activity and Building Services.

These quarterly reports provide insights into activities of these particular areas of Council. Of note, is the processing of planning permits by Council in the 60-day timeframe required under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

During the second quarter of the 2021-2022 financial year, 92 per cent of all Loddon Shire Planning Permit applications were assessed and issued within the 60-day timeframe. This is around 22 percent above the rural council average of 69.9 per cent.

To view Council meeting agendas and minutes visit www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Agendas-and-minutes

CVGA Small Business Energy Saver Program

The Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance (CVGA) is offering small business owners a free consultation by phone with one of its Business Energy Officers as part of the Small Business Energy Saver Program.

If you’re a small business owner concerned about high power bills, are thinking about going solar, are looking for information about better energy plans, or information about rebates for refrigeration and hot water, CVGA’s Business Energy Officers can help. 

For more information visit the CVGA website at www.cvga.org.au/business.html  

Supporting mental health and wellbeing of small businesses

Business Victoria is offering Victorian small businesses free access to a digital workplace wellbeing tool designed to enhance mental health and grow business and personal resilience.

The Mindarma app is an easy-to-use online program that can help you learn practical strategies to better manage difficult thoughts, uncomfortable emotions and times of high stress. It has been developed by leading researchers and supported by the Black Dog Institute

Small businesses can access 10 short sessions that teach mindfulness and other cognitive skills. Each interactive session takes around 15 minutes. The Mindarma app is available via your computer, tablet or smartphone.

To find out more visit https://business.vic.gov.au/business-information/workplace-wellbeing/mindarma