On September 16 and 17 we visited Parliament House to campaign our state pollies on a number of issues. The main focus was on the 3, 16, 81 campaign that we are starting to ramp up. The 3, 16, 81 program, you may recall, is the percentage of the Australian tax dollar that is appropriated to local government as compared to state and federal. Our three cents needs to be increased to make us sustainable. We also spoke at length to a number of our politicians about hydroponics opportunities, the Budja Budja Centre at Halls Gap, tourism development, the Stawell Gift, unused government buildings and the improvement of some of our sporting facilities. It seemed they listened to our arguments but time will tell. Thank you to Louise Staley and Emma Kealy for their efforts in hosting us and arranging some appointments during our time there.

Now that the football season is over, we would like to acknowledge the successes of some of the teams in this part of Victoria. Thank you to all those who participated, not only in the finals but throughout the year. 

The government sponsorship for the Stawell Gift has been acknowledged and it is now time for the Stawell Athletic Club, along with its partners, to start preparing for another wonderful long weekend of athletics and entertainment. 

There is a significant development by the owners of the Winston Lodge in Stawell West. The Northern Grampians Shire Council has issued the relevant permits and now it is up to the owners to get it underway. It will certainly be a wonderful asset to our shire and community. The Northern Grampians Shire Stawell West development, in conjunction with the Stawell Historical Society and the Lions Club of Stawell, is also well underway.

The responsibility of managing the Halls Gap Hub has been handed over to Grampians Tourism. The Visitor Information Centre will remain at the hub and will also be managed by Grampians Tourism. 

Don’t forget the Garage Sale Trail on October 24. For more information contact your local council, but get in early as places are filling fast. 

CR MURRAY EMERSON

Northern Grampians Shire Council