Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 28 June
Published on 28 June 2022
Loddon Healthy Minds Network committee
Council is currently seeking expressions of interest from residents in Loddon Shire to represent the community on the Loddon Healthy Minds Network committee.
The Loddon Healthy Minds Network promotes and advocates for improved wellbeing and access to appropriate services for people in Loddon Shire affected by mental health issues.
If you have an interest in improving mental health and wellbeing in the wider Loddon Shire community, the Loddon Healthy Minds Network would be interested in hearing from you.
Further queries can be directed to Wendy Gladman, Director Community Wellbeing on 5494 1200.
To obtain an information package and expression of interest form, or for more information, please contact Vicki Andrew on 5494 1230 or visit the Loddon Healthy Minds Network website.
Small-Scale and Craft Program grants
Agribusinesses are encouraged to apply for the Small-Scale and Craft Program.
Grants of up to $15,000 are available to eligible small-scale and craft agribusinesses for projects that expand into new markets, scale up their operations, adopt new technology or develop tourism offerings, and ensure Victoria continues to be a leader in artisanal produce.
Grants can be used for new equipment of small-scale infrastructure, technology adoption, expansion of the agribusiness into new markets, product diversification or development and updating of farmgate outlets or sites for tourism.
Applications for the Small-Scale and Craft Program close at 11.59pm Sunday 31 July.
Visit the Small-Scale and Craft Program website to find out more.
ALGA National General Assembly
Last week saw local government leaders from around Australia gather in Canberra for the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) 28th National General Assembly.
ALGA is the national voice of local government and the National General Assembly (NGA) is the largest national gathering of democratically elected representatives in the nation.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this year’s assembly; however, Loddon Shire was well represented by Cr Holt, Cr Jungwirth and Cr Murphy, as well as Council’s CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald.
They joined around 1,000 delegates and federal members of parliament. Among them was Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain and Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney. Other federal members included Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Emergency Management Murray Watt, Leader of the National Party David Littleproud and Zali Steggall OAM.
The assembly heard from a number of speakers, including leading economists, Governor-General David Hurley and a stirring address from the Ukraine Ambassador.
The assembly also discussed the global challenges to democracy and the critical importance of local government. Other critical issues addressed included migration between cities and regions, housing affordability and the role councils can play in social housing, critical workforce challenges and road safety.
The NGA also includes a number of motions put up by councils and voted on by council delegates at the assembly. Motions that are passed then help inform the advocacy of ALGA during the coming year. Cr Holt, who is Council’s Municipal Association of Victoria representative, was the voting delegate for Loddon Shire.
Among the number of motions were the extension of the Roads to Recovery Program beyond 2024 and for Financial Assistance Grants funding to be raised to a level equal to one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue. Financial Assistance Grants help local governments deliver a range of services to their communities (including roads).
WorkSafe Awards – farm health and safety
Entries are now open for the WorkSafe Awards – Commitment to Workplace Health and Safety on a Farm until Friday 15 July.
This award acknowledges individuals or businesses who have made a significant difference and improvements on their farm/s through leadership and practice.
The award is open to all Victorian farmers, or those working on a farm, and offers a $2000 prize.
To find out more and to enter the awards visit the WorkSafe Awards website.
Council meeting today
Council’s June meeting will be held this afternoon (28 June) at 3pm in the Loddon Shire Council Chambers, located behind the Wedderburn Council Office, off Peters Street.
You can also watch the Council meeting live via Council’s Facebook page.
Some of the items on the agenda include consideration of adoption of the Financial Plan 2022/23 to 2031/32, the 2022/23 Budget and Fees and Charges Schedule, Asset Plan 2022, Draft Community Local Law, Annual Infrastructure Program 2022-23 and the Volunteer Strategy 2022-2026.
To view the June Council Meeting agenda visit Council's website.