Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 28 September
Published on 28 September 2021
Modest easing to restrictions for Regional Victoria
On Sunday the Victorian Premier announced that Victoria is set to hit its first vaccination target on the Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan.
On Tuesday, Victoria will pass its first threshold on the Roadmap with 80 per cent of Victorians having received their first vaccine dose. Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has declared that at 11.59pm on Tuesday 28 September there will be a modest easing to restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, in line with the Roadmap.
In regional Victoria, outdoor settings for restaurants and cafes will have their outdoor venue cap increased from 20 to 30 people. Masks may be removed if the service requires it in hair and beauty salons, so facials and beard trimmings can recommence.
The next milestones in the Roadmap will be when school begins to return to onsite learning on 5 October and when Victoria hits that 70 per cent double dose vaccination target – in late October.
More details regarding the Roadmap – including indicative dates for easing of restrictions – can be found at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/victorias-roadmap
Draft Council documents advertised for community feedback
The draft Community Vision and Council Plan, proposed Financial Plan 2020/21 to 2030/31 and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan are advertised for community feedback.
The Community Vision and Council Plan have been drafted in accordance with sections 88 and 90 of the Local Government Act 2020 and in consultation with its Community Reference Group and the community.
The proposed10-year Financial Plan has been prepared after consideration at the Council Forum held on Tuesday 14 September.
The draft Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan has four key themes:
- Good physical health
- Good mental health
- Protect and promote health
- Feel safe and secure
Each theme has priority focus areas and outcomes identified that will contribute to us being healthy and well. To achieve this, services and agencies across Loddon will work together to deliver this plan.
The Council Plan, Community Vision and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan are available on Council’s website, https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Documents-for-public-comment. The Financial Plan is listed on Council’s website at https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Financial-reports . Copies are also available to be posted upon request by calling Council’s Customer Service Office on (03) 5494 1200.
Any person wishing to make a submission or provide feedback on these documents must do so before close of business on Friday 8 October 2021. Details of how to provide feedback or make a submission are listed on Council’s website at the above links. Council will meet to consider feedback at the Council Forum on Tuesday 12 October 2021.
First rate instalment due 30 September
A reminder that if you pay your rates by quarterly instalments, the first rate instalment is due this Thursday 30 September.
If you think you may not be able to pay the first instalment by the due date, please contact Council's rates office on (03) 5494 1200 as soon as possible.
Council has a number of options available to assist those facing genuine financial hardship and would be happy to discuss these with you in a confidential manner.
Startup Central Victoria – Opportunities Forum
A reminder that the first online event for the Startup Central Victoria project, Opportunities Forum, will be held this Thursday 30 September at 6pm.
The forum aims to inspire those looking for an idea for a start-up or a business in Central Victoria, and to learn more about key regional opportunities. These include robotics, Digital 100 GIG Initiatives, supply chain security, circular economy, health and wellbeing, increasing food chain value and Train Stop and small-town renewal.
Speakers at the forum will host break-out rooms for Question and Answer sessions following the presentations.
To find out more and to register for this and other upcoming events visit https://startupcv.com.au/
The Startup Central Victoria project invites aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs from across Central Victoria, including those in Loddon Shire to participate in a suite of these free opportunities to grow their business ideas. This includes connecting with and being supported by developers, designers, established entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Grass pollen season starts 1 October
Grass pollen season starts from 1 October and goes through to December, which brings with it an increase in asthma and hay fever, as well as the chance of thunderstorm asthma.
People with asthma, particularly those with mild asthma, should talk to their GP to develop or review their asthma action plan and make sure any associated hay fever is well managed during the pollen season.
For more information visit the Better Health Channel www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/thunderstormasthma
Citizenship ceremony
Finally, I’d like to end this week’s column by congratulating our newest Australian citizens, Jane Ocampo, Sush Pavluri and Gen, Jasper and Matt Policarpio. It was a great honour to present them with a citizenship certificate during this morning’s ceremony. Jane, Gen, Jasper and Matt are originally from the Philippines, whilst Sush is originally from India.