What a difference a year makes. A year ago there was an atmosphere of depression, with virtually no harvest across a lot of the Wimmera.
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Now these same areas are booming, crops are heavy and the atmosphere is running the other way.
Rain brings opportunities. Most swamps and lakes are full or close to it. West Wimmera's fishing, camping and skiing locations are all geared up for the summer’s activities. Some of these were among Victoria’s premier fishing lakes and, given a season for the fish to grow, will return to their former glory.
We have seen so much change in the past year. The West Wimmera councillors that I worked with have all retired, and I acknowledge their efforts over the term of the last council. Many councillors in other shires and cities I personally know have also retired or been voted out.
The good change was that the Western Bulldogs got up after 62 years, a big turn around for all us Dog supporters and a great privilege to be able to be at the MCG on that day!
Our statutory meeting this month saw our new council sworn in. Each councillor brings to the table their own strengths and diverse interests. Together we will be a strong team. Enthusiasm is at all time high and I look forward to working together to try and achieve many positive results for the people of our shire.
My first official function was to attend the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the lives of World War I soldiers who are buried in the Minimay cemetery. It was well organised and a pleasure to attend. This cemetery demonstrates what a hard-working local trust can do to keep this facility in a neat, tidy and respectful condition.
Just prior to this function, the ABC was trying to do a radio interview for their morning show. Mobile reception was virtually non-existent, even though there are two towers in close proximity to Minimay. We tried, but it did highlight the gaps in the mobile network across the Wimmera.
Back home to get more calls about the use of the Kaniva-Edenhope Road for diversions during the planned Western Highway works. Concerns were expressed that the recent flooding and road damage needed to be addressed before it would be suitable for constant heavy traffic. After these public concerns were raised Vic Roads are reassessing the use of this road for this purpose.
