Looking back on 2020
Published on 14 December 2020
Supporting the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, completing major infrastructure projects and securing funding for key future works have been the theme of Gannawarra Shire Council’s achievements during 2020.
In what was a year impacted by the greatest pandemic in more than a century, Gannawarra Shire Council maintained key services and supported the community during one of its toughest times.
“Twelve months ago no one could have predicted what we, as a community experienced during 2020,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.
“As a community, we have united during times when businesses could not open, major events could not occur and circumstances which led to visitors not able to experience what the Gannawarra has on offer.
“Council has also played a key role, despite services postponed or altered at times when COVID-19 restrictions were implemented. Our Community Care staff provided additional assistance for residents, with our COVID-19 Hardship policy and reduction in fees for the hospitality and health sectors, as well as for caravan park operators, supported the community during these difficult times.”
The COVID-19 pandemic had little impact on the delivery of Council’s Capital Works Program, with key projects completed during 2020. These works included Stage 1 of the Kangaroo Lake Foreshore Redevelopment, the replacement of the Quambatook-Boort Road and Appin South bridges, Stage 3 of the Koondrook CBD Redevelopment, the Cohuna Waterfront Redevelopment and construction of Koondrook Retreat, incorporating a footbridge connecting the Koondrook township to Gunbower Forest.
“These projects all play a role in helping to make the Gannawarra a great place to visit, explore and live,” Mayor Gillingham said.
“On top of this figure, Council has supported the community in rolling out more than 60 projects and initiatives supported by $2 million in funding from the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme – Extension.
“Council also supported projects large and small through its Community Grants, Community Resilience Grants and Major Project Fund programs, which will benefit communities across the Gannawarra.”
Meanwhile, Council secured significant Federal and State Government funding during 2020 for major projects at Cohuna, Kerang and Murrabit.
“Cohuna and Kerang residents are already seeing works occurring thanks to this funding, with construction of the State Government-supported Cohuna CBD and Waterfront Connections Project and Stage 2 of the Kerang CBD Redevelopment, funded by the Federal Government, underway,” Mayor Gillingham said.
“The Cohuna Skate Park redevelopment and expansion of Kerang’s Tate Drive Industrial Estate will occur in 2021 thanks to support from the State Government, with the Federal Government-funded Murrabit Stormwater Project to benefit residents in this Murray River town now and into the future.
“The future is also looking bright for the Gannawarra with the State and Federal governments committing to invest in KerangLink, with this renewable energy superhighway to enable current and future large-scale renewable energy projects to be constructed within the municipality and across northwestern Victoria.”
Council’s efforts were also recognised at a State and national level, with three initiatives shortlisted for major awards.
“Back in February the Leitchville Community Garden was a finalist for the 2020 LGPro Awards for Excellence’s Special Projects Initiative category, with Council’s works to connect the Koondrook CBD, Koondrook Wharf and Koondrook Retreat nominated for the Planning Institute of Australia – Victoria’s The Great Place Award,” Mayor Gillingham said.
This year also saw the holding of local government elections, resulting in the election of six new Councillors.
“It is important to recognise the services of the Councillors from the previous term, with the current Council building on their achievements,” Mayor Gillingham said.
“The election of a new Council means a new Council Plan needs to be developed. This is one of our key tasks for 2021, and we look forward to working with the community in developing this document, which will drive Council’s goals for the next four years.
“Council also looks forward to completing the 2020/21 Capital Works program and resuming popular programs that were postponed during 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”