MAYORAL COLUMN 15 May 2017
Published on 15 May 2017
A well-deserved honour
I’d like to personally congratulate Mitiamo’s John Forbes after plans were unveiled on Saturday to name the Mitiamo Recreation Reserve after him. The reserve will now be known as the John Forbes Oval.
This is very much a well-deserved honour. John has made an outstanding contribution to football (and to sport generally) and his knowledge of football and sport is incredible. His service to the club, to sport and to the Shire overall has been of enormous benefit, including in the Mitiamo area where he lives.
I’ve been very fortunate to have a chat with John on a few occasions over a couple of beers. Not only is he a tremendous bloke, but his sporting knowledge is absolutely remarkable, as is his contribution to the sporting community. He is an absolute sporting legend, which is well-recognised by the Loddon Valley Football League.
Lakeview Street heavy vehicle access
Council has listened to the residents and the community of Boort regarding the restriction of heavy vehicles on Lakeview Street.
At its April meeting, Council, after considering the views of local residents, resolved in principle to undertake a study for a bypass route for heavy vehicles in Boort.
The study is expected to be undertaken by external consultants and will consider a range of options.
It will also address concerns raised by the community around the movement of heavy vehicles within the Boort shopping precinct, as well as other options put forward by residents and Council. Industry feedback and consultation with VicRoads and Goulburn Murray Water will be an integral part of the study.
A project brief for the study will be prepared and presented at the next month’s Council meeting on 27 June.
Council will provide information to the community about the use of Lakeview Street once there’s been further consideration of the matter.
Rates instalment due 31 May
Just a reminder that the fourth instalment for rates (for residents that have chosen to use this payment option) is due by Wednesday 31 May.
Reminder notices about the instalment have been sent out, however if you haven’t received your notice, please contact Council. Failure to pay your rates instalment by the due date will result in accrual of penalty interest.
Under the Local Government Act, if a property owner hasn’t paid any rates after three years, Council can sell that property under the Section 181 Land Sale to recover the debt it’s owed.
One of these Section 181 Land Sales will be taking place in early June, with Loddon Real Estate starting to advertise eight properties for sale. Six of these properties are vacant land, while two have houses on them. The sale will take place on Saturday 3 June at 11am at the Wedderburn Senior Citizens Centre.
Remember, if you are having difficulties in being able to pay your rates instalment, Council has a number of options available; however it is important to talk to Council first. Please contact Council on 5494 1200 to discuss payment options.