Mayor's Message – 8 January 2024

Published on 08 January 2024

Hello everyone,

The new year is off to a wet start, with the shire seeing a large amount of rainfall in recent days.

In times of increased wet weather, it’s important to remember to drive to the conditions, and never drive through floodwaters.

We’re receiving a number of calls about blocked drains and road issues, so if you need a road, drain or other Council infrastructure inspected, I encourage you to log a customer request with us via our website or call us on 5471 1700.

Wherever you are right now – whether it’s enjoying a holiday, back at work, or having a stay-cation at home, I hope you and your loved ones are safe and ready for all that 2024 may bring.

Council meeting update – December 2023

Last month, Mount Alexander Shire Councillors met for the last Council meeting of 2023.
The following is an overview of key items discussed.  

Opportunity for more affordable housing in Maldon and Newstead

Councillors unanimously agreed to lease land at 10 Steele Street, Maldon and 2A Canrobert Street, Newstead to Wintringham Housing to build and operate affordable rental housing for local people over 50 years old.

Wintringham Housing is a specialist community housing provider who have a long history of providing well-designed and secure housing for older people. They currently manage existing affordable housing sites in Castlemaine, and also across Victoria.  

Community feedback on this matter, and many others is invaluable. It gives us an insight into how you feel about issues, and helps us make more informed decisions.

In this instance, Councillors decision on the matter was overwhelmingly supported by the community, as indicated in responses collected during the community consultation period.

In total, 85% of people who participated in the consultation were in favour of Council allocating land in Maldon and Newstead for affordable housing, and 15% were against.

Wintringham Housing will now pursue funding opportunities to enable them to progress this initiative. 

For more information about Council’s commitment to increase affordable housing in the shire, visit our community consultation website Shape Mount Alexander. 

Castlemaine Railway Precinct Masterplan on track

Councillors adopted the Castlemaine Railway Precinct Masterplan. This high-level document will guide future land activation and development in and around the area, and offers a series of recommended projects that aim to enliven and enrich the precinct.

In creating the master plan, Council sought feedback from community members, a dedicated Project Reference Group, key stakeholders and local businesses, as well as working with the Department of Transport and the Precinct’s landowner, VicTrack.

The implementation of the masterplan’s recommended projects will require Council advocacy to State Government departments and agencies, and are pending future funding.

New appointments

• Community Asset Committees – Councillors appointed a number of community members to various Community Asset Committees. Council has 20 Community Asset Committees who manage halls, recreation reserves and community centres on behalf of Council.
• Public Art Advisory Panel – Councillors appointed six community members to the recently established panel. Representatives will provide key advice on all stages of development and planning for public art in the shire.
• Councillors as representatives to committees in 2024 – Councillors were appointed to a range of internal and external committees. For information on what committees Councillors are on, visit the Councillors section on our website.

Acknowledgement 

Councillors acknowledged the enormous contribution of Martyn Shaddick (pictured), outgoing Manager of the Castlemaine Community House. 

Martyn finished up in the role in late December 2023, after 11 years of service.

During his leadership, Martyn led a range of important initiatives and also partnered with Council on projects that have improved outcomes for many individuals and groups within the community. 

Councillors recognised his long-lasting legacy, and thanked him for his care, compassion and advocacy efforts.

Other outcomes of the meeting include:

• Council renewing its agreement with the North Central Goldfields Regional Library Corporation to continue services for 2024.
• Setting the schedule of meetings of Council for 2024.

For more information on the Council meeting, including meeting minutes, visit the Council meetings section of our website.  

Mayor Driscoll
Mount Alexander Shire Council.