STRATHBOGIE Shire Council convened an extraordinary meeting last Tuesday evening to hear submissions from the community for their draft 2024/25 budget and fees and charges.

Held at at the Euroa Community Conference Centre, the meeting saw a number of community members advocating for infrastructure improvements, heritage preservation, event sustainability, and economic development across the region.

First to address the council was Helen Donaldson, who expressed concerns regarding pedestrian and cycling safety, and spoke of deteriorating conditions surrounding the primary school and St Paul's Anglican Church.

She highlighted the need for attention to the triangular block, particularly the bus parking bay and the main entrance to the school.

“The asphalt is so rough, with holes and bumps,” she said.

“A neighbour who has failing eyesight tries to walk from Anderson St to the traffic lights but can’t go past the area.”

Additionally, she drew attention to the deteriorating state of Scobie Street, advocating for the installation of footpaths and necessary maintenance to enhance safety for residents and visitors alike.

Representing Kirwan Bridge Funding Group in Nagambie, Robyn Taylor underscored the importance of securing funding for the rehabilitation of the historic bridge.

Ms Taylor urged council to prioritise collaboration with Heritage Victoria to expedite the permit process, ensuring both safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.

She also emphasised the potential economic and tourism benefits of restoring the bridge, saying the restoration aligned with the council's commitment to preserving local heritage.

Kerrie Bradshaw then presented the options for restoration of the bridge.

The three options presented included: a $3 million plan for a 3-tonne capacity, involving the replacement of 16 piles and repair of 32; a $4 million option for a 15-tonne capacity, entailing the replacement of 41 timber piles and repair of 27; and a $7 million option, replacing 72 piles and repairing 14.

Ms Bradshaw said the Kirwan Bridge Funding Group favoured the $4 million option, and stressed the environmental and economic impacts of not reopening the bridge.

“The environmental impact of not reopening the bridge is significant,” said Ms Bradshaw.

“It includes weekly carbon emissions of 6882 kilograms and extra fuel costs amounting to $5958.40 per week.

“Additionally, there's a daily economic impact on High Street traders of $2000, totalling $60,000 monthly and $730,000 yearly, which is significant.”

Offering a personal perspective, Darren Free spoke of the daily challenges faced by residents due to the bridge closure, particularly farmers, many of whom worked and lived on opposite sides of the river.

“To have the bridge reopened would be a big deal to the community as a whole and to the farming community,” he said.

Following the bridge discussion, secretary of GoNagambie, Sinead Hughes voiced concerns regarding proposed fee increases that she said could jeopardise community events.

Ms Hughes emphasised the vital role of events like the Nagambie On Water Festival in fostering community cohesion and driving tourism, and noted that while grant opportunities through council were in place to potentially help with these fees, the application process was lengthy and strained volunteer resources.

"I urge council to reconsider these changes, as they are crucial for the dedicated growth and prosperity of the Nagambie region,” said Ms Hughes.

“We are eager to enhance and explore alternative solutions for the overall development of Nagambie and the shire as a thriving tourism destination."

Helen Gwilliam, secretary of Avenel Active, underscored the urgent need for infrastructure improvements in Avenel, specifically a footpath between the train station, Bank St, and Saleyard Rd.

"Delivery requires a long-term lease of crown land, involving negotiations with railway authorities and council,” she said.

“Recent conversations indicate that the authorities may be willing to offer a lease, although we understand the time involved in this process, and submit that council make provisions for design and community consultation and capital works for the delivery of the footpath.”

Avenel Active made a similar submission for the renewal of the Avenel railway carpark, to provide safer and accessible parking for commuters.

Lastly, Linda Taylor brought attention to the longstanding issue of stabilising and sealing Agar Street in Violet Town.

Ms Taylor highlighted the adverse impact of dust on community facilities and urged the council to prioritise the resolution of this ongoing issue.

Noting the original submission made in 2019 and approved for implementation in 22-23, Ms Taylor said the works are yet to be completed and the situation has worsened, with an increased 21 community groups using these facilities regularly.

In closing, Administrator Peter Stephenson expressed gratitude to all participants and assured them that their submissions would be thoroughly considered in the budget deliberations.

The next ordinary meeting of council is scheduled to be held on Tuesday June 18 2024 commencing at 6.00 pm at the Euroa Community Conference Centre, with the next extraordinary meeting set for Tuesday June 25 at the same location, to discuss the budget adoption.