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Loddon HERALD Vol 2 No 43 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2022 ISSN 2653-1550
CARE V COMMS
A $1.9 million communications budget for Wedderburn College’s upgrade would instead fund a Coalition child care centre pledge.
Liberal candidate Louise Staley told Monday’s Ripon candidate forum the co-located centre would be built within the college’s $12.9 million upgrade budget. While there are expected to be at least five candidates contesting Ripon at the November
26 state election, only Ms Staley and her Labor challenger Martha Haylett attended the forum in Wedderburn. Ms Staley told the forum there was a $1.9 million allocation to communicate the school upgrade
with the community. “We think that $1.9 million can be much better spent building child care for you and that’s what we’ll do with it,” Ms Staley said. Loddon Shire is Victoria’s only 100 per cent child care desert. Ms Haylett said the absence of child care in the shire was a significant issue but stopped short of committing to matching the Coalition commitment. She said: “I am really pushing hard for any child care services in
this shire ... that is one I am really passionate about and you’ve absolutety got my support in terms of advocating to get child care.” The Labor Government has announced it will build 50 co-located centres in areas of demand to open by 2025. The Government last week said it would have “more to say soon” on locations. Ms Staley said under a Coalition government, construction of a Wedderburn child centre would
start next year. The forum live stream brought multiple online comments from Loddon residents calling for immediate action on child care. Candidates were also questioned by the forum audience on aged care, mobile connectivity, infrastructure investment and population growth while local farmer leader Graham Nesbit called for better investment in rail freight to reduce road use.
MORE REPORTS - PAGES 9, 10
Straub leads shire again
LH PHOTO
TANYA and Nick Chalmers wander their quirky Titwobble Lane “summer oasis” during Sunday’s annual Wedderburn Garden Expo when five local gardens opened to the public and Devonshire teas were enjoyed at the Coach House Gallery. Read the story behind Nick and Tanya’s garden - PAGE 13
CR DAN Straub was on Tuesday re-elected Loddon Shire mayor. The Terrick Ward councillor received the nod for a second consecutive term at a special council meeting. Cr Straub, first elected to council in 2018, said he was honoured to be elected be elected for a further term. “There are many exciting times ahead. Our shire has seen population increase for the first time in 20 years and our council and communities have a vision for future population and economic growth,” he said. “But there are challenges too. The floods have only heightened the need for greater support from government of council in maintaining and improving the road network. Roads that were already in poor condition are now worse as a result of the floods.” Cr Straub said he looked forward to continuing engagement with communities in advancing local projects.
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