Tuesday 28 September Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor Mayor's Message

Published on 28 September 2021

Covid, lockdowns, hardship,  riots and then an earthquake. One could easily wonder if things could possibly get worse. To say our future has never looked brighter therefore seems an incredible thing to say and yet I believe it is true.

Covid is seeing city dwellers recognising how good regional life is and we are seeing the exodus to the regions and our own Shire.

Ballarat is growing rapidly and last week’s exciting announcement by the State Government of the Growing Talbot initiative is a significant step towards achieving added population, housing, jobs, services and prosperity into our Shire which we really need.

Council has recently met online with the Rail Futures Institute enabling it to work with that very respected organisation on important opportunities to enhance  rail services, commencing with weekend passenger rail into our Shire.

We are also working through a range of initiatives to improve digital connectivity and making real progress.

The Maryborough Aerodrome Community Task Force is developing a gameplan to ensure that important and underused asset is developed to full potential.

Thirteen regional mayors  signed a letter of support for the World Heritage Listing of the central Victorian Goldfields. Our rich heritage shire is centrally placed for touring routes with the activation of Maryborough Station offering a unique immersive experience to attract visitors.

Much work ahead to realise the benefits of these opportunities for our shire but Council is determined to do just that. Success has never been more important but also very much in our grasp.