Pool study still to start

PLANS for a study into the future of Loddon pools and recreation areas are still to be finalised.

Council announced the study in January 2022 at the height of community concern for the five local swimming pools as a statewide shortage of lifeguards impacted opening days.

The study was to have started last July but wellbeing director Wendy Gladman said on Monday: “The recreation open space and aquatic study has not yet commenced.

“The final stages of planning are being completed. The commencement of this work has been delayed as the community support team actively support council’s flood recovery activities and delivery of other community projects.”

Council last year said the strategy was needed to help meet community’s contemporary recreational, open space and aquatic needs, by considering current and future needs of residents at all ages and stages of life, the upgrade and renovation needs of the existing pools, recreation reserves and parks, council’s longterm financial sustainability, and future population trends.

“This strategy will replace the recreation strategy, open space strategy and swimming pool im- provement plan and will combine these into one document that will strategically support the provision of quality recreation, leisure and open space facilities and services across the shire.

“The aquatic component of the strategy will review available swimming pool attendance data over time (including the current season) to understand user trends.

“The strategy will also analyse the condition of our swimming pool facilities and provide strategic action recommendations to ensure our aquatic facilities are fit for purpose, are efficient to operate and maintain and are

Duck inquiry

best positioned to increase use,” council said.

Mitiamo Progress Association last month told councillors retention of the town’s swimming pool built by volunteers in the 1960s was a top priority in the new 10-year town plan.

Belgavia Leisure, manager of the five Loddon pool, had reported an increase in use last season.

“We had 11 community groups make use of the pools this season and 28 events were held across the shire with movie nights, including Mitiamo’s first on the back of community feedback,” the company said in March.

Wazza’s mental health crusade taps Loddon generosity

RUOK? ambassador Warren Wright has been embraced and supported by Loddon communities as he adds to more than 6500km travelled raising awareness and funds for mental health support.

Two years after first walking the Calder Highway north to Mildura, Warren last week returned on a southward trek with Portland the next big destination.

In Wedderburn, Inglewood and Bridgewa- ter, supporters turned out to greet him while encouragement was received from motorists on the busy highway.

He arrived in Wedderburn as an Arctic blast hit the Loddon last Thursday where he spent two nights. Hotel patrons and publican Craig Fuller donated $350 in a special whiparound the bar on Friday night.

After a morning-warming coffee at 24 Karat Cafe, Warren made his next stop in In- glewood where Steve Weavell and patrons at the Empire State Hotel raised $425 on Saturday night. Wazza won the weekly meat raffle, drawing his own ticket, and then auctioned the prize. Warren also spoke of his walk for RUOK during the stay.

He spent Sunday night in Bridgewater before heading to Dunolly.

“Everyone is so great supporting the RUOK cause ... thank you,” Warren said.

MORE than 9000 submissions have been received as the Victorian Parliament’s inquiry into duck hunting begins formal hearings. Submissions, including one from Loddon Shire in support of future duck hunting seasons, are being published on the Parliament’s website. The Legislative Council committee is looking at recreational bird hunting arrangements including the operation of annual bird hunting seasons, arrangements in other jurisdictions, the environmental sustainability and impacts and the social and economic impact.

Planned burn

A 27.41-hectare traditional burn was planned for Lake Boort yesterday. Forest Fire Management Victoria said the burn had been due to be finished by 6pm and that smoke may be visible in the district until Saturday.

Vehicle tracking

DEPARTMENT of Transport has started its triennial count of traffic using the Calder Highway at Bridgewater and Inglewood. Counter tapes have been installed in several locations. A department spokesman said the traffic count was not connected with calls in Inglewood for a reduction of speed limits in the main street.

Double digits

LODDON communities have recorded a third consecutive week of double digit COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile, the COVID-safe plan has been enacted at Inglewood and Districts Health Service after an outbreak in its aged care services. Only essential visitors are being admitted to the hospital.

Sports grant

BRIDGEWATER Cricket Club has received a $1000 grant through the Victorian Government for uniforms and equipment. “The Sporting Club Grants Program is giving grassroots sports clubs across our region the support they need to grow their ranks and help more locals of all ages play the sports they love,” said Ripon MP Martha Haylett.