TO a large extent this is true, but it also has a few gaps.
One of most obvious gaps is accommodation. People arriving to the city, in our experience over the past 50 years, find it difficult to find casual and permanent accommodation.
The opening up and the continued growth of Tower Hill has given Swan Hill Council and the community a growth in supply, which has encouraged owners of more central vacant land into selling or developing.
The emergence of major housing estates being currently developed will assist in property availability.
These developers should be acknowledged for having the drive to put their land, labour and capital into these projects.
There is another significant gap, which is somewhat overlooked or is too hard to conceptualise.
This is the shortage of accommodation for medical and other professionals who are initially on short-term contracts.
Clearly, having the best possible medical system is one of the key factors in encouraging people to stay and grow in Swan Hill and district.
Where should we look to get guidance and leadership on how to deal with this accommodation problem?
Swan Hill Council would be the obvious port of call.
Over 12 months ago, there was a meeting with the mayor and chief executive to discuss possibilities.
This was followed this up verbally with the mayor several times, but to no avail.
The current mayor is reported as having a macroeconomic approach to this type of issue (the market will sort it out).
Perhaps a microeconomic approach that looks at what can be done on the ground to make things happen, should also be considered.
The issue raised with the council regarded the location, size and operation of Crown land in the actual City of Swan Hill.
The main locations that catch the eye are the showgrounds and the area of land involving the junction of Murray Valley Highway and Wattie Street.
The showgrounds are in the heart of the city and directly opposite the medical precinct.
There is considerable vacant unused land that has significant potential.
The land as you come into town that used to be several holes of the old city golf club is also vacant and attractive.
Both these sites would make good areas for the construction of various types of housing that would go a long way to providing viable accommodation.
The council has the imprimatur to take these projects on. There are obviously difficulties and hurdles, which will require careful consideration and planning.
There is a veritable web of restraints to these types of projects but with determination and commitment, anything is possible.
With foresight, planning and the proactive involvement of the State Member of Parliament, you never know what the council can achieve.
A.J Millar
Swan Hill
