Fee motion fizzles at first move

MOVES to grant a 12-month fee waiver on footpath permit fees quickly fizzled around a depleted Loddon Shire Council table on Tuesday.

Cr Wendy Murphy failed to gain a seconder for her notice of motion lodged after backlash from traders to council’s letter a fortnight ago on compliance to display shop signs and goods and new fees.

With councillors Neil Beattie and Gavan Holt out of the council chamber - both declared a conflict of interest in the motion - the council table was left with a bareminimum quorum.

And with governance rules not allowing Mayor Dan Straub to second the motion, it was left to Cr Linda Jungwirth who told the meeting she would not support the motion. Cr Straub then declared the motion had lapsed after failing to obtain a seconder.

When Cr Jungwirth wanted to later ex- plain her reasons for opposing the move, Cr Straub said the opportunity for debate has passed. said: “This government is doing everything it can to avoid transparency and, as always, responsibility. There are big issues confronting rural and regional Victoria right now, they’re deliberately going out of their way to avoid questions, to avoid scrutiny, simply tells us there is more bad news to come from this shambles of a government.”

Under new fees, some traders are facing a 200 per cent hike to continue with footpath displays.

Cr Murphy said her motion was to have allowed traders time to budget for the expense and comply with regulations.

Council’s operations director Steven Phillips and local laws and planning compliance officer David Price are to meet with Inglewood Development and Tourism Committee tonight.

“All shop owners or interested parties are invited to attend to ask questions or listen to the background of the recent letter from council regarding displays and furniture positioning on footpaths, the Disability Discrimination Act and permits and fees,” said secretary Pauline Wellman.

“Ministers can try and keep running, but they can’t hide forever,” he said. “(They are) absolute cowards when it comes to facing the Victorian people to be held accountable for their actions.”

“The public, and on its behalf, the media, should be given access every time these government leaders book a public and or industry event,” Mr Walsh said.

Ms Tierney said: “As Minister for Agriculture, my role involves attending many events across Victoria and sometimes media may not be in attendance.”

The Loddon Herald was not alerted to Ms Tierney’s visit last week.

MALLEE MP Anne Webster said the proposed Voice was the most radical change considered to the Constitution since World War Two. “It is a step towards co-government and co-sovereignty,” Dr Webster said last week as the official Yes and No cases for the referendum this year were released.

Care briefing

LODDON Shire has received a confidential briefing about State Government commitments to build a child care centre in the shire. Wellbeing director Wendy Gladman said: “The decision of location and timing for the service in Loddon, and the subsequent announcement of same, is the responsibility of the State Government.”

Jazzy lunch

REGULARS at Inglewood’s community lunch had an extra treat yesterday. They were greeted to the sounds of Seven Plus 4 Jazz Band performing at the town hall hub. More ‘new’ for owners NEW owners of the Newbridge Store, Nic and Kasey Davis have kept the celebrations going with the birth of daughter Chelsea. The store is a pickup point for the Loddon Herald and our delivery driver Enzo Scafati also delivered flowers last week to help Nic and Kasey celebrate the birth.

Public Information Session

Community Forum in St Arnaud

Landowner Rights with the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner

Northern Grampians Shire Council and the St Arnaud Branch of the Victorian Farmers Federation are hosting a community forum with the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, Mr Andrew Dyer.

The Commissioner's role is an independent adviser to the Australian Government on matters relating to community concerns about renewable energy and transmission infrastructure development.

Mr Dyer is not the transmission planner or the approval authority but has made himself available to answer questions regarding agriculture and environmental impacts, emergency management, biosecurity and landowner rights.

St Arnaud Town Hall 4:30pm for 5:00pm start Monday 31 July 2023

No bookings are required, all are welcome.

A guide of Considerations for Landholders before entering into Commercial Agreements and the Commissioner's 2022 Annual Report both include valuable information for landowners and can be found at: https://www.aeic.gov.au/