Mayoral Matters May 2024

Published on 10 May 2024

There have been some really good news stories over the last month. Hindmarsh Shire will be operating FREE pools this coming summer. This gives all of our residents and importantly children, the opportunity to become familiar with water and in tough economic times, a chance to save a bit on cooling and be able to swim every day without any expense. We have listened to the communities in respect of this matter, and I think it's a wonderful initiative.

Also at a recent council meeting, we adopted and are displaying out for public comment our Nhill Caravan Park Masterplan. This includes around 10 cabins, 23 powered sites, a new camp kitchen and amenities block. Please endeavour to have a look at this as I'm sure you'll agree it's an exciting project and brings our biggest towns’ tourist amenities in line with what's happening to our other caravan parks within the shire. Visit www.haveyoursay.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

The recent state budget was announced and there was little relief to the financial sustainability of our local governments. Local governments supply 30 per cent of total services to communities whilst only receiving 4 per cent of the state and federal tax purse. There is an ever-increasing question mark over the financial sustainability of local government and if we are to remain the government closest to the community there needs to be significant financial review.

The Nhill Air Show had an amazing turnout of nearly 4,000 people which not only displays our towns and Shire to many visitors but also brings economic stimulus to our businesses and accommodation facilities. Congratulations to the many volunteers who coordinated the event and made it the success it was.

We also had our four (4) Anzac Day ceremonies in our towns whereby all the services were very well attended by our communities. It has been pleasing over the last 10 years or so to see this day have a much-deserved resurgence over our whole country and well-earned respect is being paid by all members our communities both young and old. "They gave their today, so we could have our tomorrow.”

In finishing, look out for dates to our free volunteer breakfasts coming up later this month. These will be held during National Volunteer Week in each of our towns from 7am – 8:30am on the following dates:

• Monday 20 May 2024 at Dimboola Library/Old Shire Hall
• Tuesday 21 May 2024 at Goldsworthy Park Nhill
• Wednesday 22 May 2024 at Jeparit Riverbank Precinct
• Thursday 23 May 2024 at Rainbow Federal Street Gardens

I hope to see you there!

Cr Brett Ireland
Mayor