This time last year our shire returned to an elected council after three years of administration. Our community welcomed the opportunity to elect seven representatives who they could relate to and raise issues with. However, there were also some reservations. Bob Hawke once said that the Australian People never got it wrong at an election, and this is true. We got a council comprised of three individuals new to local government, and four with some experience, a perfect mix! I know the new councillors have found the year to be challenging, but also exciting and rewarding. The ‘old councillors’ ditto. I am incredibly honoured to be a member of a team who are so passionate and enthusiastic about the future of the shire we represent.
The past 12 months have been a whirlwind, with numerous new policies and procedures introduced. Personally, I know this will be my last hurrah as a councillor, and there are a number of things I want concluded. Preservation of our history has been at the core of my being. Just look at our magnificent Railway Station, a decade ago it was a complete bomb site, today the area is stunning. We are seeing the transformation of the Carisbrook Recreation Reserve, and hopefully the same at Delideo Reserve Dunolly. The iconic Maryborough Town Hall has been closed due to OH&S concerns, but it is imperative that it is returned to its rightful status. The current listing for the Central Victorian Goldfields proposal is paramount to our future. Our active participation in the bid , if successful, will have untold benefits in terms of brand recognition, visitations and tourism for decades to come. We must give our Mayor, Chris Meddows-Taylor unqualified support to continue acting in our best interests.
Reality is that our shire has an ageing population. Our forward planning and budget allocations must recognise this fact. Conversely, we must identify those factors required to both retain and attract young families to live here. We already have affordable housing, fantastic retail and hospitality choices, along with superb sporting and recreational facilities, all adding up to unmatched lifestyle choices. Reliable digital connectivity will be crucial as we attempt to attract young professionals. From personal experience, I have a daughter who left home at 17 to follow her dreams. For the last 15 years she has lived in Sydney, regularly commuting to the United States for work. For both family and lifestyle reasons, in February 2020 she relocated to Maryborough. They have purchased a home, rekindled childhood friendships, and their two young children have ‘blossomed’. Katrina and her husband both work for major American IT companies holding meetings daily via the internet. Many people in Melbourne, Sydney, San Francisco and London now know a lot about Maryborough, Victoria. Their major issue is however, internet speed and guaranteed service reliability. So this is of major concern to us as a small shire who wishes to retain our young, and increase our population.
