Looking back on 2021
Published on 23 December 2021
The undertaking of transformational capital works projects, securing funding to ensure future works and supporting the community during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic have been the theme of Gannawarra Shire Council’s achievements during 2021.
Following on from a year that saw the COVID-19 pandemic impact the Gannawarra socially and economically, Council continued to maintain key services and support the community during 2021.
“Despite periods where services were postponed or altered when COVID-19 restrictions were implemented, Council committed to continue to protect the community during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.
“From Council’s perspective, our dedicated Community Care staff provided additional assistance for residents throughout the year and our COVID-19 Hardship policy continues to provide flexibility for residents and businesses impacted economically.
“Looking ahead, the Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee’s Gannawarra Community Resilience Action Plan 2021-2023 will drive the Gannawarra’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on social connectedness and community leadership.”
Like in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had little impact on the delivery of Council’s Capital Works program, with key projects completed. These included the Cohuna Skate Park redevelopment, Koondrook All Abilities Playground and safety enhancements at the Kerang Skate Park and Sir John Gorton Library.
Construction on other key projects, including Stage 2 of the Cohuna Waterfront Development, Cohuna All Abilities Adventure Playspace, Stage 2 of the Kerang CBD Redevelopment, Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre expansion, Murrabit netball change rooms expansion, Tate Drive Industrial Estate expansion and the Murrabit Stormwater Project, also began in 2021.
“As well as these projects, Council continued rolling out initiatives supported by the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme – Extension, which provided $2 million to support the implementation of 60 infrastructure projects and 49 community initiatives between January 2020 and June 2021,” Mayor Gillingham said.
“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, transformational projects at Cohuna, Kerang, Murrabit and Quambatook will proceed in 2022 after Council secured significant Federal and State Government funding for these works.
“Thanks to $2.636 from the third round of the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the Murrabit Stormwater Project and third stage of the Kerang CBD Redevelopment will be completed, which will transform both towns,” Mayor Gillingham said.
“Quambatook residents are also excited that the town’s sustainable water project, which will transform the town’s weir pool, will occur after Council secured $2.05 million from the State Government, with the Victorian Government also contributing $1 million towards the construction of the Atkinson Park, Kerang All Abilities Playground and Changing Places facility.
“Council also looks forward to the continued planning of KerangLink. This project, which will connect Victoria and New South Wales’ electricity network via infrastructure that passes through the municipality, will open up opportunities for significant renewable projects to proceed in the Gannawarra during the next 10 to 20 years.”
Council continued to be recognised at a State and national level, with staff and projects winning or being nominated for major awards.
Projects recognised included Council’s Sustainability Gannawarra initiative, which was commended in the Environmental Sustainability category at the 2021 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia – Victoria Awards, and the Koondrook CBD Redevelopment, which was a finalist in the Community Assets & Infrastructure Initiative (projects $2.5m and under) category at the 2021 LGPro Awards for Excellence.
Council’s Aquatics Officer, Kieran Schneider won the 2021 LGPro Young Achiever of the Year award as part of the 2021 LGPro Awards for Excellence and was a finalist in the 2021 Local Government Professionals Australia Emerging Leader Award, whilst Manager Projects and Property, Wade Williams was a finalist in the 2021 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia – Victoria Emerging Public Works Leadership Award.
“These accolades show that although we are a small rural municipality, Council’s performance is up there with some of Australia’s largest municipalities,” Mayor Gillingham said.
The year also saw Council engage with the community regarding many key strategies, including the Gannawarra Shire Council Plan 2021-2025, 2021/22 – 2030/31 Financial Plan and the development of the Draft Aquatic Strategy.
“Council thanks the community for their input regarding these strategies and looks forward to achieving the goals listed in the Gannawarra Shire Council Plan 2021-2025,” Mayor Gillingham said.
“Council looks forward to working with the community with the development of future strategies, including the Aquatic Strategy, with an extensive community engagement program planned for 2022.
“Council also looks forward to completing its 2021/22 Capital Works program and guiding the Gannawarra’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
ABOVE: The opening of the Koondrook All Abilities Playground (top left), Cohuna Skate Park redevelopment, Murrabit netball change room expansion, Kerang CBD Redevelopment - Stage 2 and the announcement of funding for the Quambatook Sustainable Water Project were highlights during 2021.