News
Community facilities star in week of chats

LODDON Shire Council is taking conversation on its draft social infrastructure plan into the community this week.
The first of 13 pop-up sessions was held in Serpentine on Monday morning.
Consultation teams have since heard feedback on planning the future of community facilities from residents in Dingee, Inglewood, Bridgewater, Boort and Wedderburn.
Further sessions will; be today in  Pyramid Hill and Mitiamo with council teams visiting Laanecoorie, Eddington, Tarnagulla, Newbridge and Korong Vale tomorrow.
The strategy proposes facility management plans for each town, identifying facilities that are at or near ‘end of life’ and assessing use of facilities.
Mayor Gavan Holt said: “Our community buildings improve wellbeing and help communities meet their social needs and reach their potential. 
“Many of our buildings and recreation spaces offer great opportunities for broader use, while others are ageing and need substantial investment. We have a great advantage in Loddon: almost all residents are within a 30 minute drive of at least one of our large towns, meaning we all have great access to valuable services and facilities.” 
The draft strategy suggests that, predominantly, people living in Loddon towns should have access to:
An indoor meeting place, equipped play space and recreation spaces and acilities within a 15-minute drive
A pre-school, maternal and child health service, library, community centre, swimming pool and waste facility within a 30 minute drive.
Council said the the draft paved the way for further work including understanding how often community buildings and recreation spaces are used and what condition they are in. “This work will enable us to identify which facilities require updating in order to meet present needs and standards, and those at or nearing ‘end of life’  for which better alternatives may exist.”

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