Loddon Shire Mayoral Column

Published on 22 June 2020

Getting back to business

This week, we were expecting good news and another cautious step forward on our road to recovery from the pandemic. However, an increase in the number of new cases recently has resulted in an extension of the State of Emergency for four more weeks.

Changes to include allowing more people to use such facilities as libraries, cafés, community centres, galleries and museums, pubs and clubs and even ski resorts still continue, but with restrictions and safeguards in place. Some forms of sport as well as gyms and training facilities will also begin to reopen, but with a maximum of 20 people.

Each organisation has its own unique situation and must adhere to regulations to ensure the safety of patrons or participants. Before visiting, check with the business or group to find out if they are open and what limitations they may have. For details on the 21 June updates, visit the DHHS website: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-covid-19

Accommodation venues, caravan parks and camping grounds are also gradually opening depending on their ability to manage the regulations such as physical distancing and cleaning. You should check with individual facilities prior to making travel arrangements.

Meanwhile you can continue to play your part in helping to manage the spread of coronavirus by washing your hands carefully and frequently, maintaining physical distance when out and where possible, continuing to work from home. If you have any symptoms, no matter how mild, you must get tested.

Don’t neglect your health

There has been an alarming fall in the number of people having routine health check-ups since the start of the pandemic.

Putting off a visit to the doctor or hospital if you experience any issues or unusual symptoms, or delaying age-appropriate tests, could lead to more severe illness. In addition, correct management of a pre-existing medical condition is vital to protect your health and avoid hospitalisation.

Many hospitals and GPs are offering telehealth appointments for check-ups and ongoing conditions. They are also undertaking additional cleaning and physical distancing protocols to provide a safe environment for their patients and staff.

Telehealth is now more widely used in rural areas and removes the travel and wait times to see a doctor in person.

If you are due for breast, bowel, prostate or cervical cancer screening, don’t put your health at risk – make an appointment now. Contact your GP and don’t let coronavirus put you off seeking treatment for any health concerns.

Weeds and rabbits

The Weeds and Rabbits Project is seeking support from land managers, including farmers, to help combat pests and weeds which cost Victoria more than $1 billion a year.

Agriculture Victoria is working together with land managers to find out what social and behavioural factors influence pest and weed management.

Landholders are invited to take part in a state-wide survey which will be strictly confidential. The survey takes about fifteen minutes to complete and is open until Wednesday 24 June. Click here to be taken to the survey: https://weedsandrabbits.com/survey/.

Pulse check discussion – Pyramid Hill

On Friday 26 June, pulse growers and advisers have the opportunity to increase their knowledge on sustainable pulse production and improve their capacity to maximise future growth and profitability, by attending a Pulse check discussion group meeting.

Guest speaker Helen Burns will consider the issues of growing pulses in acid soils and the pulse herbicide matrix at the meeting.

The meeting will take place outdoors at Gladfield, near Pyramid Hill from 8am, and physical distancing measures will be applied.

Attendees do not need to have attended previous meetings or have any prior knowledge of pulse production. The event is free and all are welcome. For more information or to RSVP please contact Claire Pickles on 0429 922 780 or claire@bcg.org.au.

Works around the Shire

The coronavirus has impacted the ability to complete works around the Shire, as staff and contractors work with restrictions. However, I am pleased to report that the schedule of reseals for this financial year has been completed, as has the LED light upgrades at 15 Council buildings.

Significant funding of $754,678 had been allocated for the replacement and installation of new footpaths in Inglewood, Bridgewater, Wedderburn and Boort (totalling 3,200 square metres) and to improve drainage in Kiniry Street in Boort. As mentioned in a previous column, the work has been completed in Wedderburn and Boort and continues on the footpaths at Inglewood and Bridgewater, while the drainage works in Boort are about to get underway after some delays.

In a funding partnership with Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, the budgeted ground works have commenced at the Old Inglewood Reservoir, starting with the bank upgrades.

Preparations are underway for the commencement of culvert works in Kelly Street, Pyramid Hill which is expected to begin by the end of June.

Community engagement

The community is being encouraged to join Council in the development of three key documents as part of the Loddon Project.

Beginning with the Community Engagement Policy, Council will work with the community to find out how residents can best participate in Council decision-making. The findings will help develop the Community Vision – a document which will express the aims of the community for the next decade. In turn, the Community Vision will shape the Council Plan, setting out the strategic direction and objectives for the next four-year period, including Council’s ideas and priorities for services, infrastructure and amenity.

The first step will be a webinar on Monday 22 June at 10am, which will invite residents to have their say about Council decision-making. There are numerous ways to be involved, including joining the Loddon Project Facebook page and completing the online survey. For more information visit the website: www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Community-Engagement/The-Loddon-Project or call Council on 03 5494 1200.

Did you know

Council is responsible for looking after 4,657 kilometres of road, of which about 920 kilometres is sealed. This makes up the majority of the roads within the Shire boundaries and they are known as ‘local roads’. A full list of local roads may be found on Council’s Road Register.

However, some people may not know that many of the more frequently used roads are the responsibility of Regional Roads Victoria, and a full list of those roads may also be found on our website: https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Footpaths-roads-and-drains/Roads.

The recently released 2020 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey – Statewide Report indicates a declining trend with the level of satisfaction with sealed local roads in the Loddon Shire. There is anecdotal evidence that some members of the community may not realise the difference between local roads and those managed by the State, which may have distorted our sealed local roads rating.

With the help of both State and Commonwealth Governments, Council will spend just over $10.5 million on its road network this year. This equates to approximately $4,900 per kilometre of sealed road and $1,100 per kilometre of unsealed road. In addition, $1.7 million is spent on bridge renewal projects.

If you are aware of a road maintenance issue, you can tell us by filling out the online form or by calling Council for urgent matters. If the road is managed by Regional Roads Victoria, they can be contacted on 133 RRV (133 778). Repair works for roads under Council jurisdiction are prioritised as per the Road Management Plan.