THOSE enjoying Wednesday’s sunny conditions while passing Leongatha Memorial Hall at lunchtime had the perfect opportunity to engage with South Gippsland Shire councillors and staff and put forward their views on various plans and issues.
Some community members were keen to learn more about and help shape the future of Pre-Prep, with the feedback period running until Monday November 3.
From 2027, families will be able to access up to 20 hours of Pre-Prep each week, as part of the Victorian Government’s transition from Four-Year-Old Kindergarten to Pre-Prep.
“We just want to hear from families and people planning for families about how that would be best accessed for them, whether they want it in chunks of full days or half days,” a council spokesperson said.
The 20 hours per week would be a five-hour increase on the current situation for those in Four-Year-Old kinder.
People have until November 4 to comment on the Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2025-29, while public consultation on the Draft Community Engagement Policy and Strategy runs until November 21, as does the opportunity to put forward your ideas to help shape council’s Annual Budget.
Consultation on council’s updated Governance Rules also runs until November 21.
Koonwarra’s Rebecca Dowel stopped to chat to Councillor Clare Williams and council staff about the DAMP and is keen to know more about proposed fenced areas for off leash dogs and whether that will impact on other uses for the chosen spots.
She planned to complete the relevant online survey.
Some people were keen to help shape council’s next Budget from the outset, putting forward their ideas or learning how to do so online.
People also took the chance to raise other matters of concern.
Jenefer Chitty called for security improvements at Leongatha Railway Station for those wanting to leave a vehicle in the carpark and catch a bus, saying she is scared to do so after a couple of friends had their cars vandalised there, with windows and mirrors broken.
She noted the lack of cameras and lighting in the area, a perception of no consequences for perpetrators perhaps also playing a part given her friends’ cars were damaged during daylight hours.
Those wanting a say on the DAMP, Budget, Pre-Prep, Governance Rules or Community Engagement Policy and Strategy can do so by visiting yoursay.southgippsland.vic.gov.au where they can view details and complete relevant surveys.
There are further face-to-face consultation opportunities coming up, these being:
- Korumburra: Thursday October 30 at the pedestrian link/laneway, or in the Korumburra Community Hub if raining, from 12 noon until 1pm.
- Foster: Thursday November 6 from 10am until 11am in the laneway near Foodworks, or at the Foster Visitor Information Centre if raining.
- Tarwin Lower: Friday November 7 outside the Mechanics Institute Memorial Hall from 10am until 11am.
