A positive and productive third instalment of the Council pop-up program took place last week at Algie Hall in Neerim South.
The session was attended by local residents who met with Ward Councillors, members of Council's Executive team, and Council Officers to discuss matters important to them and their community.
East Ward Cr Michael Leaney and Cr Peter Kostos were in attendance alongside Executive members including CEO Alison Leighton, Director Community Infrastructure Cohen Van der Velde, Director Corporate and Community Services Mark Dupe and Director Planning and Development Yasmin Woods.
Residents met with Council Officers from a wide variety of Council departments including customer service, rates and revenue, roads, infrastructure delivery, statutory planning, assets and recreation.
Popular topics of conversation involved rates and valuations, local road maintenance, footpaths and upcoming projects included in the 2019/20 Capital Works Program including:
- Oval upgrade project at Neerim South Recreation Reserve,
- Upgrades to the carpark, change rooms and kiosk at the Neerim District Swimming Pool,
- Reconstruction and widening of sections of Neerim North Road, and
- Further consultation around Community Hubs.
Council Officers received positive feedback from residents appreciative of the opportunity to attend – many of which are unable to visit service centres during business hours due to distance and farming, work, school and sporting commitments.
The Council pop-up program builds on our ongoing commitment to improving communication, engagement and transparency with residents all over the municipality.
Previous sessions have taken place in Thorpdale and Longwarry. Two more sessions will take place later in the year at Willow Grove and Rawson – stay tuned for dates.
As stated by Mayor Cr Mikaela Power
"Council pop-ups give residents opportunities to talk directly to Councillors and staff about issues that concern them and their local area. The number of people who attended the Neerim South session show that this approach works, and we look forward to seeing residents when we drop into other regional towns and villages across the Shire."
As stated by East Ward Cr Michael Leaney
"With each Council pop-up we're able to engage with residents and further break down perceived barriers between Council and regional communities. We look forward to upcoming sessions in Willow Grove and Rawson and highly encourage residents in these surrounding areas to come along and be part of the conversation."
As stated by East Ward Cr Peter Kostos
"The session was a real success with many discussions happening around the room. It was great to see community members attend and take up the opportunity to chat with us. We've heard positive feedback from residents who were able to ask questions and resolve some long-standing queries."
As stated by CEO Alison Leighton
"It was fantastic to see such a great turnout last week in beautiful Neerim South. We thank everyone who attended for taking time out of their busy lives to meet with us. We received some great feedback from local residents who really appreciated the opportunity to speak directly with Councillors and Officers. This feedback is really valuable and shows us that this program is having a meaningful impact in our community. We look forward to continuing the program in other regional townships later this year."
Image: Council pop-up at Algie Hall in Neerim South.
Image: Council pop-up at Algie Hall in Neerim South.
Image: Council pop-up at Algie Hall in Neerim South.
Image: East Ward Cr Michael Leaney chatting with Lincoln Judd from the hall committee, NDPA and The Neerim Star.
