Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 12 July

Published on 12 July 2022

INVEST Loddon Mallee website

A new website, INVEST Loddon Mallee, is highlighting the economic strengths and opportunities in our innovative region.

The website initiative was created by the 10 local government areas that form our Loddon Mallee region, including Loddon Shire.

It provides a comprehensive overview of the region’s industries, locations and investment opportunities. It showcases some of the innovative businesses already thriving in the region and highlights projects seeking investment. 

The information available to potential investors on the website also help tell the story about the benefits of doing business in Loddon and within the greater region. This includes stories from a wide variety of successful businesses in the region such as Saluté Oliva and Hay Australia who are featured as success stories on the website.

To find out more visit the INVEST Loddon Mallee website. 

Draft Community Local Law – drop-in sessions

Last week I mentioned the draft Community Local Law 2022, which is now out for community feedback until 5pm Wednesday 31 August 2022. 

The draft Community Local Law covers a range of laws, including Council land, streets and roads, private property, animals and pets, waste and recycling, permits and fees, and enforcement.

If you would like to know more about the draft Community Local Law, have questions, or want to provide feedback in person, please don’t hesitate to get along to one of the community drop-in sessions to be held across the Shire next month:

• Tuesday 2 August         10am – 12pm, Wedderburn Council Chambers
• Wednesday 3 August   9am – 11am, Newbridge Public Hall
• Wednesday 3 August   1pm – 3pm, Inglewood Town Hall Hub
• Monday 8 August          10am – 12pm, Pyramid Hill Memorial Hall
• Monday 8 August          1:30pm – 3:30pm, Boort BRIC
• Thursday 11 August     10am – 12pm, Serpentine former Council Chambers
• Thursday 11 August     1:30pm – 3:30pm, Bridgewater Memorial Hall

If you are unable to attend one of these sessions and would like to have your say or for further information, please contact David Price at Council on (03) 5494 1225 or email loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au

You can also view and comment on the draft Community Local Law via Council’s website. 

Additionally, a copy of the draft local law is available for inspection (or can be printed on request) at the Council offices, 41 High Street, Wedderburn during business hours.

A copy can also be posted to community members by calling Council’s Customer Service on (03) 5494 1200.

2022/23 rate notices

During July, property owners will begin receiving their 2022/23 annual rates notice from Council.

You can elect to pay your rates in full as a lump sum (which is due to be paid by 15 February 2023). You can also opt to pay your rates in quarterly instalments, which are due on or before 30 September 2022, 30 November 2022, 28 February 2023 and 31 May 2023.

If you’ve noticed that your contact details are incorrect, would like to register to have your rates notice sent via email, have any questions or would like to discuss payment of your rates, please contact Julie in Council’s Rates Department on 5494 1200. If you anticipate that you might have an issue in paying your rates, please make sure to talk to Council.

This year rate notices will also reflect the property’s 2022 valuation. If you wish to lodge an objection against your 2022 valuation, you can do so by ringing Council on 5494 1200 and requesting an objection form.

You can also log your objection electronically via the Rating Valuation Objections Portal.

Objections must be lodged within eight weeks of the date of issue on the rate notice to be eligible.

Registrations open for Loddon Healthy Minds Network forum

A reminder that registrations are now open for the Loddon Healthy Minds Network 2022 Suicide Prevention Forum (SPF22), with discount tickets applying for registrations for the entire month of July.

The forum will be held on Thursday 20 October from 9am to 3.30pm at the Inglewood Community Hub and will focus on suicide prevention strategies that work in rural areas.

A number of experts and speakers will present at the forum, giving insights into solutions and strategies to address rural mental health. This includes renowned mental health speaker, author and radio broadcaster Craig Hamilton.

There is a limited amount of free tickets for Loddon region community members and volunteers. Please call Vicki at Council on 5494 1230 to register for these limited free tickets.

For more information visit the Loddon Healthy Minds Network website.   

John Forbes Tribute Round

Over the weekend I attended the Mitiamo versus Calivil United game for the John Forbes Tribute Round, honouring local sporting legend John Forbes, who was a momentous figure in our Shire and did so much for local sport, and community fundraising.

The game included the John Forbes medals, which were presented on the day to the best players of each team in Seniors and Reserves football and A Grade netball.

I’d like to acknowledge and thank both Mitiamo and Calivil United for not only a big day of local sport, but for the touching tribute to John Forbes, who did so much for his community.