Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 18 May

Published on 18 May 2021

Loddon Shire broadband survey

Council is partnering with City of Greater Bendigo and Regional Development Victoria to develop a business case for enhanced broadband for local businesses in the Loddon Shire community and surrounding areas.

As part of this business case, Council is asking residents and businesses to fill out a survey regarding fixed broadband internet speeds and mobile phone network coverage in Loddon Shire.

Council has been advocating for improved internet access and mobile phone coverage for its communities for some time now. Recent changes to the demands on connectivity due to COVID-19 has made this issue even more important for both businesses and residents.

Council is asking as many members of the community as possible to fill out the survey. This will help Council identify where to focus its efforts in advocating for better connectivity, particularly where government funding requires such data.

Please take the survey here.

Hard copies of the survey are also available by calling Council on 5494 1200 or visiting the Wedderburn office.

The survey is open until Friday 28 May 2021.

LRCI Program funding welcomed

Council has welcomed an additional $4.77 million over two years in Federal Government funding as part of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI).

The funding, which was announced last week as part of the 2021-22 Federal Budget, is for Phase 3 of the LRCI Program. This is in addition to funding Council received under Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the program – providing a little over $8.95 million overall.

On behalf of Council, I’d like to thank Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development the Hon Michael McCormack MP, Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government the Hon Mark Coulton MP, and Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster MP, for announcing the funding.

Projects identified as part of the LRCI funding will be included in Council’s 2021/22 Annual Infrastructure program, which is currently being developed.

The 2021/22 Annual Infrastructure Program will go to Council for consideration for adoption early in the 2021/22 Financial Year.

Biggest Morning Tea is almost here

Cancer Council Victoria is encouraging Loddon Shire residents to host an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event with family, friends and colleagues in support of people affected by cancer.

In 2021, the official day to host a morning tea is Thursday 27 May, however participants can register to host at any time throughout May or June.

Every year an average of 68 people in Loddon Shire are diagnosed with cancer, while 36,000 people are diagnosed in Victoria.

By hosting or attending a morning tea, people will help Cancer Council Victoria continue its life-saving cancer research, prevention, advocacy and support programs for those affected by cancer.

For more information or to register, visit the Australia's Biggest Morning Tea website or call 1300 65 65 85 to receive a free morning tea host kit.

Young Farmer Business Bootcamp coming to Bendigo

Agriculture Victoria is running its first face-to-face Young Farmer Business Bootcamp in 12 months in Bendigo in June.

The Young Farmer Business Bootcamp will be held over two days between 9.30 am and 3.30 pm on Thursday 17 June and Thursday 24 June.

The free two-day business bootcamp is for those who are young or new to managing a farm business and wanting to forge a long and successful career in beef, sheep or mixed farming enterprises.

Participants can expect to improve their understanding of profit and loss and cash flow budgeting, balance sheets and gross margins, risk management, and financial planning and analysis from doing the camp.

The Bendigo bootcamp, which will be held at Peppergreen Farm Eco Pod, will be delivered by Paul Blackshaw, Farm Business Advisor with Meridian Agriculture.

For more information contact Sarah Wallis at Sarah.Wallis@agriculture.vic.gov.au or 0419 571 208.

Date for entries for Tidy Towns Awards Program extended

The closing date for entries for the 2021 Keep Victoria Beautiful Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns Awards Program has been extended to 23 May 2021.

The Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns Awards recognise, celebrate and share grassroots initiatives and positive actions taken by community groups, educational institutions, businesses and councils in rural and regional areas in Victoria.

Find out more at the Tidy Towns Awards website.