This month, Council has been strongly advocating for Mansfield Shire’s right to shape its own future, particularly when it comes to planning and development.
The state government has proposed sweeping reforms that would significantly reduce the role of local councils in planning decisions.
These changes risk silencing the voices of our community and could lead to development that doesn’t reflect the unique character, needs or aspirations of our region.
Mansfield Shire has also been identified as a location for significant housing growth, with Council being handed a target of 3,900 new homes by 2051.
This target comes without any clear commitment to the infrastructure and services needed to support that growth.
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Our roads, water systems, health services, schools and emergency services are already under pressure.
Growth without infrastructure, and without consulting the community or the government that represents them, is not sustainable and it’s not fair.
Council has formally called on the State Government to pause these reforms and engage meaningfully with rural and regional communities.
We are standing up for Mansfield, and we need the community’s support.
I encourage you to visit Council’s website to learn more about the proposed changes and consider having your say.
Council has made a copy of its letter to the Minister for Planning available for the community to download and send.
On a brighter note, I’ve had the chance to attend some truly special events that remind me just how vibrant and connected our community is.
We recently welcomed five new citizens at our Citizenship Ceremony.
It’s always a joy to see people from around the world choose Mansfield Shire as their home and commit to building their future here.
A highlight this month was the Klytie Pate Awards, celebrating the legacy of one of Australia’s most respected ceramic artists.
I’d like to thank everyone involved in bringing the exhibition to life.
I am truly in awe of the artists that create such beautiful and engaging ceramic pieces.
The arts are the soul of this community and I was honoured to speak at the opening event.
It was a great night and a fantastic celebration of the arts in our region.
And finally, we kicked off the Victorian Seniors Festival with a lovely morning tea.
There are plenty more events coming up as part of the festival and I encourage everyone to get involved and celebrate the contributions of our senior community members.
