It is wonderful to see our streets re-energised with staff filling offices again and scheduled events and activities proceeding. Hopefully the social interactions which have been desperately missed return in 2022.
I have had the pleasure of speaking to a number of groups recently about the role of Mayor, Councillors and Council in our community.
The Quarterly Performance Reports and Annual Action Plan demonstrate how Council is delivering on the Council Plan, supporting and enhancing the lives of our community members in so many different ways.
Our Council Plan, under the themes of Community, Liveability, Sustainability, Accessibility and Leadership, strives for the 2041 Community Vision:
In 2041, Horsham region is a vibrant, liveable hub that thrives on strong economic growth and social connectedness. Empowering people to live, work and access opportunities for recreation and culture, now and into the future.
Council is committed to addressing climate change, improving the amenity and comfort of our urban environment and rural townships, recognising the economic value of trees and providing a framework for the proactive and sustainable management of trees by adopting the Greening Greater Horsham – Municipal Tree Strategy and Tree Management Policy.
Ensuring appropriate tree species selection is a key component in delivering for the community. Thank you to the community members who took the time to provide feedback on these documents. Your feedback was vital in ensuring that Council meets the needs and expectations of the community.
Six flood studies have been completed by the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority since 2009/10 and each recommended that Council apply for a planning scheme amendment to update the flood overlay (FO) and the land subject to inundation (LSIO). The Amendment will ensure Council can suitably regulate proposed development on flood prone land and safeguard against inappropriate developments that would impact other properties.
The maps demonstrate the impact of a 1:100 year flood which is significantly more devastating than the 2011 flood which was at a 1:50 year level. All 2816 properties impacted by this amendment will be contacted. Please take the time to confirm the impact on your individual property.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those communities impacted in Queensland and New South Wales by the recent floods as they begin the difficult clean-up process.
The people of Ukraine are also front of mind for us all as we watch in horror at the devastation of war from the invading Russian forces. It is heartening to see so many Ukrainian civilians taking up arms and fighting to save their democratic independence. We pray for peace in that region and all around the world.
