Cr. Brian Hood
The past month has of course been dominated by two Special Meetings and the extensive community consultation that led up to them. In a major step forward the unanimous adoption of the five town structure plans and rural strategy sets the scene for a significant body of work to be undertaken in conjunction with the community.
That work, along with realigning Council’s strategic direction and priorities to its constrained financial capacity, should be Council’s highest priorities for some time.
To glimpse in the rear-view mirror and scan the major events and achievements of the past year wouldn’t do justice to such review. That is best left to the annual report which is now available.
For me the highlights of 23/24 include the advancement of the ambitious and critically important Future Hepburn program; completing or advancing major capital projects such as the Mechanics Trentham, Central Springs Reserve and Creswick Trails (Djuwang Baring). The gold Victorian award and silver national awards for tourism in Daylesford are also standouts.
Of course it would also be timely to quickly glance back at the past 4 years as this term comes to an end.
There have been three major themes – Council’s response to emergencies such as the numerous floods and June 2021 storm; addressing a myriad of legacy issues; and an ambitious and expansive capital works program.
In my view Council’s handling of the COVID pandemic and the various severe weather events was exemplary. The appropriate support was extended to the community on all occasions. Similarly the tragic incident in Daylesford almost a year ago was sensitively handled.
The reality was that this councillor group had no choice other than to tackle a number of inherited legacy issues. The aforementioned neglect of planning regulations was embraced through the Future Hepburn program. A suite of policies and strategies too many to mention were created in conjunction with officers. And of course the albatross at 47-51 Vincent St was finally let loose.
We embarked on an ambitious capital works program – some of our own doing, some inherited but needing completion. By my reckoning the capital expenditure program over the past four years exceeded $50 million, funded by $24 mmillion in grants and $26 million in Council funds. And that doesn’t include the $15 million in storm and recovery recovery works.
Having taken that glimpse in the rear-view mirror I finish this report with what I see through the windscreen.
The fast-approaching $4 million per annum cash shortfall screams out for a change in direction. A strategic realignment is required, taking Council’s direction back into the mainstream core functions and thereby living within our means. Priority setting will be key. Council cannot speed past the sign-posts disclosing deficits of $20m over the past 4 years. A dab on the brakes would be wise too.
In conclusion I extend my thanks to CEO Mr. Thomas, the executive team and all officers for their support and I acknowledge and applaud their hard work to support our community.
To my councillor colleagues I extend my gratitude for your work.
It has been an honour to serve as a councillor and as Mayor the past two years and, presented with the opportunity, I will continue to serve our community.
Cr Brian Hood is the elected Councillor for Coliban Ward and is currently the Mayor of Hepburn Shire.
This report is based on the report delivered by the Mayor at the 16th September Council Meeting.
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This is the last in our series of Councillor Columns and Mayor’s Messages until the new Council is installed in November because Council will be entering a caretaker period during the local government elections.
