Mayoral Matters - January 2025
Published on 30 January 2025
As we return from the Christmas and New Year break, we are revitalised and eager to embark on new opportunities and initiatives that will benefit our Shire and community.
Housing Update - 2025
There is much happening in 2025, with the construction of our final three affordable homes, with Rupanyup well underway, with the slab, frame and roofing complete.
The Warracknabeal and Hopetoun sites are to commence late January / early February 2025.
The projects have been a long time in the planning, and even Council has challenges with ensuring service connections, planning and building codes are met.
What we have learnt from this experience, is connecting infrastructure, such as sewer, power and water can be a significant barrier to development in our rural communities.
That is why we applied for the Commonwealth Government Housing Support Program, Stream 2, Enabling Infrastructure Fund. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful with all four applications. To say we were disappointed is an understatement.
As a rural Council that relies heavily on grant funding to improve community outcomes, we request that rural Councils are not overlooked and receive the necessary funding that their communities are entitled to and deserve.
Projects Complete and Soon to Commence
Planning has commenced for the opening of the Warracknabeal Early Years Centre, that will be scheduled in late February. Families and residents will be invited to view the new building, landscaping, and amenities. The project took four years of planning and execution, and we are delighted to see its completion. Despite significant challenges, we successfully reached our goal. Currently, there are 67 enrolments across the three and four-year-old Kindergarten program at Warracknabeal. We are confident that the community will greatly appreciate and utilise the centre.
The Rupanyup Kindergarten landscaping is nearly finished. Thanks to the support, flexibility, and determination of the Yarriambiack Shire Council staff and the contractor, the project reached a stage where children could start their new Kinder year at the centre.
In addition, we have seen the completion of the Dunmunkle Community Library Precinct in Rupanyup, with the opening scheduled for the 14 February 2025. We look forward to sharing this new building with the community.
Australia Day Events
Councillors and the CEO attended Australia Day events across the Shire. We extend our congratulations to the community members who received awards on this occasion. As a Council, we are deeply appreciative of the dedicated volunteers whose efforts significantly contribute to the success of our towns, Shire, and region. Your contributions help make our community in Western Victoria a vibrant, inclusive, and beautiful place to live.
Cr Kylie Zanker
Mayor - Yarriambiack Shire Council
