Mayor's Message 31 May, 2024

Hi everyone,

Late last week we welcomed the news that Council will receive a massive funding boost for our local roads, with almost $9.5M to be allocated over a five-year period through the Australian Government’s Road to Recovery Program.

We’ve been advocating to both the State and Federal Governments that more support is needed to address our damaged and deteriorating road network and we’ve heard loud and clear from our community that improving the condition and safety of our local roads is an absolute priority, so this is fantastic news.

While it is too early to determine the full list of works the funding will enable, it does mean that in addition to the infrastructure investment already allocated in our draft budget, we can significantly boost our program of roadside drainage, major patching, pavement rehabilitation and resealing works. I look forward to sharing what’s happening, where and when once we work through the details.

Speaking of road safety, the CEO and I met with Attorney-General and Member for Northern Victoria, the Hon. Jaclyn Symes today. We took this opportunity to advocate once again for the funding that was promised by the State Government for critical safety improvements to Main Street Rutherglen. We appreciate the Minister’s time and we’re hopeful of a positive outcome.

Also this week, we joined millions around the country in acknowledging National Reconciliation Week (NRW). Commemorated annually, NRW provides a platform for fostering greater awareness, respect, and recognition of the rich heritage, significant contributions, and enduring resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

While we still have a long way to go on our reconciliation journey, I am proud to be part of a Council that has shown leadership and empathy through commitment to our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan and to live in a community that recognises that we all have a part to play in this journey.

Finally, it is with a heavy heart that I sign off today’s message with my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Brenton Kaitler, whose tragic passing rocked our community over the weekend.

My thoughts are also with everyone involved in the search on Saturday evening and throughout the night. When faced with an incredibly difficult situation, your response was swift, thoughtful and well-coordinated.

Please continue to look out for each other.

Take care, Sophie Price.

Cr Sophie Price.