Advocacy efforts in Canberra
LAST week, I joined our chief executive, Scott Barber, and members of the Murray River Group of Councils at Parliament House in Canberra.
It was a valuable trip that included extensive advocacy work on behalf of our region.
We met with a number of ministers, advisors and Members of Parliament to forward on the advocacy work of the Murray River Group of Councils and our municipality.
We met with Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Catherine King to discuss the new Swan Hill bridge and ongoing heritage delays.
Minister for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek listened to our concerns about the vulnerable state of our region and considerable cumulative impacts of buy-backs to our community.
We expressed concerns about the agricultural workforce crisis, across both the skilled and unskilled sectors, when we met with Chief of Staff to Andrew Giles, the Minister for Immigration.
Regional digital connectivity adviser to Minister for Communication Michelle Rowloand met with us to discuss regional digital connectivity, wireless broadband, NBN and on-farm connectivity.
Murray River Group of Councils has a huge capacity for large-scale solar power generation and we took the opportunity to meet with electricity and gas adviser to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and the group expressed their support of VNI-West and large-scale solar projects.
We will continue these conversations, with continued updates as well as extending invitations to these ministers to visit our municipality, with the aim of achieving positive outcomes for our region.
Farewell to Queen Elizabeth II
ALONG with my fellow Australians, I mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
As a mark of respect, council’s national flag was flown at half-mast until the day after the Queen’s funeral service, on Monday.
I took the opportunity during my visit to Parliament House last week, to pay my personal respects by leaving a tribute in the official condolence book.
May she rest in eternal peace, knowing the significance that her contribution has been to the world.
Robinvale skatepark-play precinct
COUNCIL is planning for a new skatepark and adventure zone, to be built in Robinvale.
We are aiming to deliver a new inclusive community space focusing on active, nature and adventure play elements that cater for all skill levels and abilities.
It will be an inviting, family-friendly space that celebrates the regions rich and diverse cultural heritage, set within our beautiful Robinvale riverfront precinct.
We are currently seeking feedback from the community regarding what you would like to see included in this space.
Residents are invited to submit their feedback online via our Let’s Talk website: letstalk.swanhill.vic.gov.au/
Congratulations to Heartbeat team
I WOULD like to extend my congratulations to our Heartbeat of the Murray and Pioneer Settlement staff, who achieved record visitations to our laser light show last financial year.
Despite multiple lockdowns and travel restrictions, it is a wonderful achievement and a credit to the quality of our show and our unique local attraction.
Well done, team. Hopefully we break the record again this year and welcome them all back to our region.
Work for council
COUNCIL is currently recruiting for a number of vacant positions.
Please be mindful during interactions with council staff that we, like many other local businesses, are suffering from staff shortages impacting on our service delivery. We ask for your patience during this time.
If you have ever wanted to work for council, now is your chance to get involved and help make a difference to our municipality.
For more information on current vacancies, visit: www.swanhill.vic.gov.au/about/employment/current-vacancies/
Go Cats
I HOPE our residents enjoy an extra-long weekend, please stay safe on the roads if you are travelling.
I will be getting behind my beloved Geelong Cats during Saturday’s AFL grand final. Go Cat!
