The Southern Grampians Shire 2019/20 Annual Report, which was published this week, reflects on a year of challenges and triumphs for Council.
The report, which is required to be lodged with the Minister for Local Government by 30 September each year, also showcases the major achievements and milestones of the past financial year.
Among them was the completion of a number of major community infrastructure projects, including the final stages of the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLX) project, the Dunkeld Arboretum Dam Wall, the new Flight Aviary at the Hamilton Botanic Gardens and the HILAC floor replacement.
The report also highlighted the delivery of 93 percent of the entire capital works program, the commencement of implementation of the Masterplans for both Lake Hamilton and Pedrina Park and planning for the delivery of Stage Two of the Hamilton CBD Masterplan.
Other significant projects showcased in the Annual Report include those led by communities and supported by Council in our townships. These include the Mt Rouse steps and Botanic Gardens in Penshurst, the Cavendish Men’s Shed and Recreation Reserve facilities upgrade, Balmoral Recreation Reserve Community Hub, Dunkeld cricket nets and Monivae College Cricket Hub, along with thousands of dollars distributed across our communities through Council’s Greater Grants program.
Chief Executive Officer Michael Tudball delivered the annual report at the October Council meeting on Wednesday night.
“This Annual Report is an honest and accountable reflection of the breadth of services delivered by the organisation over the past 12 months,” Mr Tudball said.
“I’m incredibly proud of what Council and the organisation have achieved over the last year. I’m very fortunate to lead a team full of passionate and hardworking people who take pride in the work that they do and care deeply about the communities that they serve.
“We will continue to work hard to deliver core services and projects to ensure our Shire recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and remains a well-connected, dynamic regional centre, supporting a vibrant, healthy and inclusive community,” Mr Tudball said.
The Annual Report is available to download from Council’s website https://www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/files/Public_Documents/SGSCAnnualReport_2019-20-FINAL.pdf.
A hardcopy is also available to view at Council’s Brown Street customer service centre.