Loddon Shire Mayoral Column

Published on 30 December 2019

Happy New Year

This is my last Mayoral Column for 2019 and I would like to welcome in the New Year with a sincere wish for peace and prosperity for all who live and work in the Loddon Shire. As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to what 2020 may bring, I hope that each of you will enjoy a happy and safe start to the new year.

I would also like to remind our community that the Council offices in Wedderburn and Serpentine will reopen at 8.15am on Thursday 2 January 2020 and kerbside garbage and recycling collections scheduled for New Year’s Day (Wednesday 1 January 2020) will take place on Saturday 4 January. All waste facilities across the Shire will be closed on public holidays.

A list of Council closures and changes to services may also be found on our website: www.loddon.vic.gov.au or call Council on 5494 1200.

Bridgewater on Loddon River Precinct celebration

Last week I had the pleasure of speaking at a celebration to mark the completion of Stage 1 of the Foreshore Precinct at Bridgewater. The community gathered to celebrate the culmination of months of planning and work before enjoying carols featuring the local children.

We have created an attractive outdoor shared space that will be a gathering point for community and visitors to make the most of our Shire’s natural assets. This will drive economic growth by encouraging visitors to stop, stay and play in the area and enjoy the natural beauty of the Loddon River.

The Bridgewater Foreshore Project will be officially opened by the Honourable Jaala Pulford, Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC, Fishing and Boating, on 21 February 2020.

Pool safety

I have mentioned safety around backyard pools in previous Mayoral Columns. Supervision and compliant barriers are essential to keep children safe around pools and spas.

Since 2000, 27 young children have drowned in private swimming pools and spas. In at least 20 of those cases, the non-compliance of the safety barrier was a contributing factor. That’s why since 1 December, new laws have been introduced to keep young children safe.

Pool and spa owners are now required to register with their local council by 1 June 2020 and obtain a certificate confirming the compliance of their barrier every four years.

For more information visit the website: https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/consumers/swimming-pools.

On-Farm Emergency Water rebate scheme

The Victorian Government is offering a rebate to drought affected farmers who invest in urgently-needed infrastructure that addresses animal welfare needs. The On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme is now available for the purchase and installation of emergency water infrastructure for livestock.

The scheme is available for water infrastructure purchased since 1 July 2018. Eligible farm businesses in Loddon Shire should visit the website https://www.ruralfinance.com.au/ to find out about applications and eligibility.

Get your pig a PIC

The Property Identification Code (PIC) is a legal requirement of every property that has livestock. PICs are used for locating properties to provide advice to livestock owners, to help manage animal welfare issues and to assist in the event of emergencies. It would also be used for locating properties and owners that have livestock when an outbreak of a disease that may threaten their enterprise is detected in an area.

The PIC also forms a key part of Victoria’s biosecurity system. Victoria is free from devastating diseases such as African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease and is kept this way through a strong biosecurity system. These diseases would have a devastating impact on pig health and production and contribute to wider economic losses if introduced into our region.

People may not realise that even a pet pig requires a PIC, which is easily obtained through the Agriculture Victoria website https://bit.ly/35sOWln.

Did you know

Heat kills more Australians than any natural disaster and we have endured a lot of very hot days recently. The Victorian Government advises five tips to survive the heat.

To begin with, plan ahead by scheduling activities in the coolest part of the day. If you have to go out, wear a hat and sunscreen and take a bottle of water with you.

Never leave kids, adults or pets in hot cars. The temperature within a parked car can double within minutes. Check on those who are most at risk – your neighbour living alone, young children, the elderly and people with a medical condition.

Heat can cause illnesses such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion which can lead to the life-threatening condition, heatstroke. Heatstroke is fatal in up to 80% of cases.

For more tips on how to survive the heat, visit: betterhealth.vic.gov.au/heat