Connecting people and communities
Wednesday, 18 May, 2016 Page 1
awnw.com.au
www.awnw.com.au
Issue #331 – Wednesday, 18 May, 2016
Albury Wodonga’s largest circulating newspaper
Opportunity is knocking POSITIONED in an ideal location in the heart of Albury lies an historic building that was once the city s first ever hotel inn ... it is now seeking a fresh initiative to help transform it into a bustling cafe, restaurant, microbrewery or other business SEE MORE, PAGE 2
Capped - for now By MONIQUE KUZEFF DESPITE agreeing to the state-wide 2.5 per cent rate peg in its 2016-’17 draft budget, Wodonga Council has its sights set on increasing the rate above the cap in the future. Wodonga mayor Anna Speedie confirmed at last night’s meeting that council would apply for a rate variation above the peg in 2017-'18 to return the rate to 4.25 per cent. This would support council’s 10year Strategic Resource Plan to ensure
the development, maintenance and upgrades of major projects including community centres and facilities would not be discontinued. “It will be necessary for rate rises to be above future caps as part of council’s 10-year Strategic Plan,” Ms Speedie said. “To remain financially sustainable, this council is proposing a rate increase of 4.25 per cent in the future. “To ignore this plan would see the balance between sustainability and meeting our community’s needs with a
sive consultation and investigation locally and at state and national level,” Cr Speedie said. “Baranduda Fields has been part of the discussion as we undertook the master planning of all our sport and recreation precincts. The council proposed $3 million in the draft budget to start construction of stage one and will look to other levels of government and sporting bodies for financial support. Operational savings of $1.3 million from the 2014-'15 financial years have
shortfall of $50 million over the next 10 years.” The draft budget commits funding to the CBA development, pedestrian safety, upgrades for recreation facilities and the beginning of the switch to LED street lighting. It also includes the provision to start works on stage one of the $20 million Baranduda Fields in order to develop two ovals, two netball courts and associated amenities. “This is a major long-term project of the council and comes after exten-
also been identified, following a 14 per cent productivity improvement since 2007-'08. “Wodonga continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in Victoria and we recognise the unprecedented flow of private investment and confidence in our city creating vibrancy, unique offerings and jobs,” Cr Speedie said. “Our focus turns to new priorities on recreation, sustainability and further economic growth for our city.”
Nine long months in the making IT’S officially complete! The $1.36 million Urana Road Oval Sporting Pavilion project was formally opened on Saturday after nine months of extensive work. Players, coaches, spectators, officials and visitors are now able to enjoy the new facilities over the coming years. Clubs can enjoy growth as the complex is now able to facilitate increased participation in sport and recreation activities for communities across the region ... full story, page 4.
Anthony Baker, Greg Aplin MP, AlburyCity mayor Henk van de Ven and Ted Miller officially open the Urana Road Oval Sporting Pavilion. 154351
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STAGE 1 Located in prestigious Huon Creek Large 2000sqm +
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