Infrastructure focus for Baw Baw Shire
Two Baw Baw Shire councillors have been recognised for their service.
Crs Joe Gauci and Tricia Jones were recognised for their service as councillors at the recent Victorian Councillor Service Awards hosted by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).
The annual awards ceremony recognises councillor contributions across Victoria in two categories - long service of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years, and a Mayor Emeritus which recognises councillors who have served three or more full terms as mayor.
C Gauci was a recipient of the Mayor Emeritus Award after serving three consecutive terms as mayor.
Cr Jones received a 10 years’ service award after her service in the west ward since her election in 2008.
The awards were conferred at the MAV annual dinner following the annual conference on October 18.
Cr Gauci said he felt fortunate, humbled and proud to have had the opportunity to serve the community as mayor over the past three years.
“Being mayor is a position I take seriously and am passionate about representing the needs of Baw Baw Shire at a strategic level. “Throughout my three years as mayor, the work achieved with my fellow councillors and other collaborations such as the Gippsland Local Government Network has seen some great outcomes for our region.
Cr Jones said it had been an honour to serve the Baw Baw Shire community as a councillor for the past 10 years.
“Throughout my time the region has seen a great deal of change with many successes and many challenges.
“The west ward is my ward and I am passionate about representing our amazing community. This community means a lot to me and I look forward to continuing my tenure as a councillor for the rest of the term,” Cr Jones said.
More than $25 million invested in new infrastructure and improving existing facilities is a highlight of Baw Baw Shire’s annual report, according to Cr Danny Goss.
Council has formally adopted its annual report after receiving sign off from the Victorian Auditor General’s Office.
The report outlines council’s achievements in line with four strategic objectives including vibrant communities, thriving economy, safe and sustainable environments and organisational excellence. It also includes financial reports.
Cr Goss said council had invested more than $25 million in capital works projects to deliver new and improved infrastructure for its growing community.
“Of this, $8.6 million has been injected into our local road network, over $2.7 million into drainage projects and over $1.9 million into parks and open spaces.
“Alongside physical works, we’ve also commenced reviews of our Precinct Structure Plans, Developer Contribution Plans and appointed a priority development team to ensure that our shire’s growth is appropriately planned for, managed and delivered,” he said.
Cr Goss described the annual report as a really good document because it outlined council’s achievements, reviewed the year and provided statutory information.
Chief executive officer Alison Leighton said the annual report was an honest and accountable reflection of the breadth of services delivered by council with contribution from each business unit across the organisation.
Ms Leighton said council’s focus in the year ahead would remain on continued process improvement, quality infrastructure and services delivery while remaining responsible, accountable and community focused.
Key council achievements outlined in the annual report include:
$14.1 million West Gippsland Arts Centre redevelopment project;
$8.6 million spent improving the local road network;
Received $23.26 million in grant funding towards key projects and initiatives;
Improved access and connectivity by investing $595,300 into new footpaths and $158,000 on footpath replacements;
More than $247,000 awarded to 43 community groups through Community Development Grants;
Began construction of a new skate park in Yarragon, Howard Park;
Completed a range of improvements for the Warragul CBD Streetscape Project;
Renewed focus on council’s Youth Charter carrying out significant engagement and planning with local young people;
Delivered 19,902 vital Meals on Wheels to support community members;
Supported new families with 594 first Maternal Child Health nurse visits; and,
Developed a new Economic Development Strategy focusing on four key pillars: business engagement, business attraction, business advocacy and tourism.
Mayor Joe Gauci said the annual report provided an opportunity for council to reflect on key achievements, opportunities and challenges of the last year.
“It’s been a big year for Baw Baw Shire and we’ve been working hard to deliver core services and projects to ensure our shire remains a safe, sustainable, vibrant and thriving place to live,” he said.
Cr Mikaela Power said the annual report was a report of council’s operations and a thorough outline of what council had achieved for the year.
Cr Peter Kostos said the report contained a lot of information about what council does – “it’s not just roads, rates and rubbish.”
Cr Jessica O’Donnell said the annual report was a reflection of the amount of decision making being done by council, which was an “absolute power of work.”
“We are getting through it and we are moving in the right direction,” she said.
While supporting the annual report, Cr Michael Leaney said a lot more work still needed to be done on roads, particularly in the east ward.
“I look forward to reading next year’s report to further assess our progress,” he said.