Plenty of issues on councillors to do list

TARWIN Valley councillors, John Schelling, Clare Williams (deputy mayor) and Adrian Darakai hit the road on Wednesday for a community day.

Their day kicked off at Leongatha Community Centre.

They visited community halls in Mount Eccles, Darlimurla and Nerrena hearing about local issues, which included roads.

At Darlimurla Hall, councillors heard about the desire to secure a grant to install air conditioning, providing guidance on applying.

At Mount Eccles Hall, stumping issues were discussed.

Mirboo Country Development Incorporated (MCDI) members showed the visiting councillors an area that has the potential to provide overflow parking for busy times in town, such as market days and during other events.

“We were talking to them about a non-gazetted road that runs between the back of the shops on Ridgway and the park, including the kindergarten and the old railway station,” MCDI vice chair Ruth Rogan said.

She explained that the aim is to have the road gazetted and used for parking, something that is proposed in the Baromi Park Masterplan.

The MCDI members were keen to chat with councillors about what the next steps might be.

Ruth said it may be that the project will have to wait until the streetscape is upgraded, suggesting that is in the cards in the next couple of years.

“However, we wanted to get moving on the approvals that might be needed from Vic Roads, and from DEWLP the current owner of that land,” Ruth said.

While people already park in the area concerned, it needs to be properly surfaced and marked to realise its potential, she explained.

Ruth expressed her appreciation of the councillors’ visit and the opportunity to show councillors around and talk about issues for the town.

“It’s important and I have found the councillors to be really engaging,” she said.

The trio of councillors also visited the Mirboo North & District Historical Society, learning about the important work its members do in preserving the town’s history and the organised approach they take.

Local identity Joe Piper also met the councillors to chat about Mirboo North Recreation Reserve.

Mardan Tennis Club was another organisation visited on their community tour.

Cr Schelling outlined the importance of the day.

“It’s just a general catch up and a chance to build relationships with the small rural communities,” he said.

Councillors wrapped up their busy day with an evening visit to the Fish Creek Community Development Group, going over matters such as the town’s sewage issues.