Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 29 March
Published on 29 March 2021
Vale Ron Vinnicombe
Together with the Australia Day Committee, I’d like to pass on my condolences to the family of Mr Ron Vinnicombe, who passed away recently.
Ron provided many years of service to Loddon Shire communities, including as a member of the Australia Day Committee from 2008 until 2019, where Ron’s contribution was highly valued and appreciated, including by Loddon Shire Councillors and staff.
Following this year’s Australia Day, Ron was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation, in recognition of the many years of service he provided to the Loddon Shire Council communities.
Our wider community benefited immeasurably from Ron’s commitment and contribution.
Skinners Flat online survey
As part of community engagement for the Skinners Flat Reservoir Master Plan project, a survey is now available online for both individuals and stakeholder groups to complete.
The survey can be found on Council’s website on the Skinners Flat project page.
Submission documents can also be uploaded via this project page.
As mentioned in a previous column, a paper-based postcard survey can also be completed at the Loddon Shire Council office in Wedderburn.
Through input from the community, the master plan will provide direction for future amenities improvements and recreational uses, while also establishing a committee of management.
Online submissions close at 11.59pm, Monday 5 April.
Loddon Project survey closes 31 March
A survey regarding actions and initiatives you would like to see Council take for the next four years closes this Wednesday 31 March.
Your feedback will help in the development of the Council Plan, which sets Council’s strategic direction for the next four years. It outlines objectives and strategies for achieving this direction along with initiatives for services, infrastructure and amenity to achieve them.
The survey asks for your feedback on priority actions, including improving or enhancing our sense of community, the local economy, our natural environment, and infrastructure.
The survey is available here.
A copy of the survey was included in the latest edition of Council’s quarterly newsletter the Loddon Bulletin that was delivered to households earlier this month.
Hard copies of the completed survey can be dropped off in person at Council’s Wedderburn office during business hours. You can also send the survey via post to Loddon Shire Council, PO Box 21, Wedderburn VIC 3518.
Grants for farmers to go solar
Victorian farmers have a great opportunity to apply for substantial grant funding to improve the energy efficiency of their on-farming activities through Agriculture Victoria.
The Agriculture Energy Investment Plan has $30 million to support farmers with initiatives like solar power, battery storage and equipment upgrades.
To be eligible, your farm needs to spend a minimum of $8,000 (including GST) per annum on energy costs (electricity, diesel, gas).
Applications for on-farm energy assessments will close on 15 July 2021.
For more information about the Agriculture Victoria On-Farm Energy Grants visit the website.
The Mallee Sun and MASH (More Australian Solar Homes) bulk-buy team and solar suppliers have helped farms navigate the grant process and successfully install large solar PV systems with tens of thousands of dollars of grant funding through this program.
If you are interested in finding out how they can help, email jo@cvga.org.au or call 1300 466 274.
Happy Easter
Finally, with the Easter long weekend coming up, I’d like to wish all residents a very happy Easter, and a relaxing long weekend. As always, if you’re planning on heading away please be mindful that there will be extra traffic on the road, and to make sure you take plenty of rest breaks.
It’s great to see some sporting events on the calendar during the Easter long weekend, including the Wedderburn Bowling Club Easter Bowls Carnival, Boort Lawn Tennis Club Easter Tournament and the Tarnagulla and District Golf Club – Easter Cup.
If you would like to find out more about events that are coming up in the Loddon Shire this year (and next), visit Council's website and click on the “Events” tab.
Just a reminder that due to the Good Friday and Easter Monday public holidays, Council offices will close at 4.45pm this Thursday 1 April and reopen at 8.15am on Tuesday 6 April.
The Loddon Visitor Information Centre will be closed on Good Friday, but is otherwise open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays and other public holidays. For enquiries phone (03) 5494 3489.
Kerbside collections will take place as normal on Good Friday and Easter Monday. All waste facilities across the Shire are closed on public holidays.