Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 8 November
Published on 08 November 2022
Thank you
I’d like to thank my fellow Councillors for re-electing me Mayor at today’s Special Council Meeting. It is truly an honour to again serve as Mayor of Loddon Shire for the coming 12 months.
I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow Councillors, Council staff and the community, including during current flood recovery efforts across our Shire.
One thing that has again stood out for me during this difficult time – and which I have expressed before in this column, is our amazing community here in Loddon Shire, and how we stand with, and support each other in times of need.
I am proud to be able to be Mayor of our Loddon Shire for the coming year, and even more proud of being part of such a wonderful community.
Thank you again.
Roads update
Due to the October storm and flood event, the subsequent damage to the road network, the redeployment of resources for clean-up, recovery and repairs to road infrastructure, Council has activated the Exceptional Circumstances clause in the Road Management Plan.
The Road Management Plan provides details of Council's policies, service standards and actions relating to the management of its road and footpath network.
The Road Management Plan allows for temporary suspension of these standards during exceptional circumstances such as natural disasters (including floods) if Council resources are redeployed elsewhere to meet the needs of the community.
Council officers and contractors will focus on fixing high-risk locations, with other officers inspecting and prioritising works for the remainder of the road network.
Council has responsibility for 4800 kilometres of roads across the Shire, so inspections and repairs will take some time.
We thank you for your patience and please remember to drive with caution and follow warning signs that have been placed on roads.
Council will regularly monitor the progress of these works and allocation of resources to determine when services within the Road Management Plan can be reactivated.
For road information, including closures, please visit VicTraffic.
A reminder, that if you would like to report water over a road or general road issues for VicRoads roads call 13 11 70. For Council roads call (03) 5494 1200.
A list of VicRoads roads within Loddon Shire can be found on Council’s website.
Council continues to work with the Federal and State Government regarding opportunities for funding for flood recovery efforts, including for our roads and other infrastructure.
Loddon Shire has also provided an initial submission for Disaster Recovery funding arrangements, which is a State and Federal program. Successful funding will further enable Council to continue infrastructure recovery efforts.
Council flood information page
I’d also just like to remind our community about the Council flood information page on its website.
The page includes updates around Council services, health advice, recovery information, as well as a list of financial support available.
Visit Council's website to find out more.
BlazeAid support for Loddon farmers
I’d also like to acknowledge and thank the volunteer-based organisation BlazeAid which has been out in the Shire supporting Loddon farmers.
BlazeAid assists rural families and individuals to help clear, repair or replace fences that have been lost as a result of a natural disaster.
BlazeAid volunteers have been cleaning, clearing and replacing fences at properties at Newbridge, Bridgewater, Marong, Salisbury West and Serpentine.
To register to have BlazeAid volunteers work with you, contact Camp Coordinator Graeme Allen on 0477 488 434.
More information regarding BlazeAid is available from their website and Facebook page.
Newbridge sewerage and water funding announcement welcomed
Council has welcomed a multi-million dollar funding announcement from the Victorian Coalition to connect water and sewerage to Newbridge.
Together with Cr Jungwirth, I attended the announcement by Ripon MP and Liberal candidate Louise Staley in Newbridge last Tuesday (1 November).
The Loddon Shire Council Plan 2021-2025 includes a commitment to working with the community to lobby government for reticulated sewerage and water for Newbridge as part of its strategic objective to promote population growth in the Loddon Shire.
This support is further highlighted within the Loddon Shire Council 2022 Priorities document.
Council previously engaged a consultant to develop a business case around the provision of water and sewerage to Newbridge, which included community consultation.
Community Bank Inglewood & Districts scholarship program
Applications are now open for Community Bank Inglewood & Districts scholarships program for local students starting TAFE and university in 2023.
Scholarships are available for Bachelor’s degree study, for mature-aged Bachelor’s degree study and for TAFE.
To find out more and to apply visit their website.
Remembrance Day
This Friday 11 November is Remembrance Day and commemorates the day that the guns fell silent on the Western Front, bringing the First World War to an end. This is a time when we all pause and remember those who have died or suffered for Australia’s cause in all wars and armed conflicts.
We’re all encouraged to observe one minute’s silence at 11am and reflect on the service and sacrifice of all our defence personnel and that of their families.
Please check with your local RSL club to find out where Remembrance Day will be observed. ABC TV and ABC iview will also broadcast the Australian War Memorial’s Remembrance Day National Ceremony.
You can also show your support by buying and wearing a poppy as part of the RSL’s Poppy Appeal. The Poppy Appeal raises funds for the RSL to support Australian veterans and their families.