Farewell Notes from your Deputy Mayor - Robyn Machin

November 2008 is my final month as your representative on the Strathbogie Shire.

November 2008 hails the final month for me as your local government representative on the Strathbogie Shire. You will have a new representative from Saturday 29 November election.

I indulge in recalling just four milestone events over the past six years and express gratitude to you for your help, input and support to me in this role.

The March 2003 election heralded the return to ridings in the Strathbogie Shire with seven councillors and seven ridings, from the previously five councillors and no ridings. As a relative newcomer to the district, in 2003 you clearly chose me as your representative in a field of four good candidates. I came to the task with a very open mind and clear views on two particular issues - the need for greater LG communication and strategic planning for the future.

Results: Planning - becomes enormously more complex as the Tree Change (which accounts for 27% of land holders) takes a grip on our Shire. Farm Zones have been introduced and created greater awareness of the direction our area is moving in. Major revision of the MSS (Municipal Strategic Statement) was undertaken. The Special Use Zone for Intensive Agriculture has progressed to a point where commercial investment of substantial proportions is imminent in the Strathbogie Agribusiness Park (SAP).

Development planning for our rapidly growing townships has been undertaken - Nagambie and Avenel. State guidelines have been implemented into residential developments such as Rescode. Neighbourhood Character and Heritage Studies have been undertaken throughout the Shire.

Communication: The long awaited Communication Strategy was presented at the October Council Meeting. It aims to provide clear and direct channels for the shire and council to interact with our community, particularly on major important issues. It likewise clarifies internal organisational communication which is always difficult in such a diversified business as local government. The task of the new council is to implement this strategy.

Some major events: Minister Batchelor making a snap visit to brief council on government plans to construct a 'toxic' waste tip. Councillors insisted that he immediately hold a meeting at VT to explain these plans to the community.
Honeysuckle Weir demolition which attracted considerable local condemnation and drawn out legal battles. GVW held lengthy meetings throughout this process at the VT Hall.
2006 Commonwealth Games celebration at VT which attracted the only Autumn rain in this drought year along with a reduced audience of over 2000 people.
VTAG plans align with Community Action Planing facilitated by local government on a statewide basis offering greater strength and voice for community input and funding sources for priority projects.
VT Flood Study has progressed and is now in its final stage to determine the best mitigation strategy to protect our township from future rainfall events.

Finally, thank yous. I have been honoured with the duty of being your Mayor for two terms and Deputy Mayor for two terms for which I thank my fellow councillors for putting their faith in my ability.

I have had the opportunity to represent Strathbogie Shire interests to State and Federal Government as well as lobbying amongst other municipalities to represent our community interests. I have been the council portfolio representative on a number of local and regional groups.

In all these tasks I hope I leave this role having made a difference and I have worked to the best of my ability in the interests of our Shire, our district and region and most of all for our community. I thank the staff who have helped me in my tasks and who work tirelessly and achieve great results for our community. I thank you for your kind, valuable and considerable input to enable me to represent you in local government.

I wish the new incumbent success in their task of representing us over the next four years.

Thank you to the Village Voice editorial staff for giving me print space to cover issues monthly.

If you have any issues for discussion - talk to your new councillor. www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au