Highlights galore as NGSC adopts 2023-24 Annual Report
Published on 28 October 2024
Central Park oval and clubroom upgrades, a Stawell Skate Park rebuild, the launch of Discover Northern Grampians tourism marketing brand and introduction of electric vehicle charging stations are among highlights of Northern Grampians Shire Council’s ‘year in review’ for 2023-24.
Councillors adopted the 2023-24 Annual Report and Quarterly Finance Report at a meeting last week.
Council chief executive Brent McAlister said the report showcased initiatives and achievements in the final year of the organisation’s current four-year council plan.
“Our teams have executed many projects and programs shire-wide and have made – and will continue to make – a significant contribution to the community,” he said.
“Central Park surface upgrades ensured the surface was made safer and has optimal drainage, with emphasis on ensuring its readiness for the 2024 Stawell Easter Gift.
“We also began the Central Park Clubroom Upgrade, a complete replacement of the outdated change facilities to provide suitable spaces for both male and female sportspeople, supported by the State Government in partnership with Stawell Warriors Football Netball Club.”
The report also details Great Western and Navarre football-netball club projects and upgrades to Stawell Tennis Club, St Arnaud Pool and Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre.
“With the ever-growing popularity of electric vehicles, we have supported the installation of EV Charging Stations in St Arnaud and Stawell and a Tesla charging station in Stawell,” Mr McAlister said.
“Our Economic Development Team saw its long-term vision realised in the Discover Northern Grampians project, branding our beautiful part of the world with a marketing campaign.
“The team produced and launched the brand, a comprehensive Investment Prospectus and a suite of advocate videos that share the advantages of living, working and investing in the Northern Grampians. With a reach of more than 80,000 to date, we are excited by the opportunities this project will deliver.”
A Stawell Library upgrade; installation of LED lights at Stawell Airport; St Arnaud recycled water project; St Arnaud Sports Club audio visual upgrade; and introduction of ‘Greenlight’ online planning tool are also among the report’s highlights.
Tourism is an area of focus in the Annual Report, with visitor information centres at Halls Gap, St Arnaud and Stawell welcoming more than 61,000 visitor inquiries. The organisation also supported 163 events, including more than $53,000 in monetary support via the Tourism Event Fund.
Mr McAlister said the council’s Community Development and Healthy Ageing Hubs teams had put extra funding to good use for the community, while welcoming a multicultural project officer would be vital to supporting the region’s evolving communities.
“Our Early Years Programs have received a boost from the State Government, with new modular buildings for Stawell and St Arnaud, and our infrastructure team has worked through an enormous schedule, with successful multiple upgrades along Sloane Street, Stawell, as part of the black-spot funding program.
“$3.7-million in flood recovery projects were undertaken as part of the flood recovery program from previous events, including the Glenorchy floods of early 2024.
“Our Northern Grampians Shire Council Emergency Management Team – NGSC EMT – was activated for the devastating Pomonal fires in February. We opened an emergency relief centre in partnership with Grampians Community Health, Victoria Police, Red Cross Stawell branch and supported by our Emergency Management Team with enormous success.
“We supported many displaced residents in their greatest hour of need. Of significance to us and what bought us immense pride, was the involvement and impact our NGSC EMT had on those affected, especially those team members who worked to support their community while being directly impacted themselves.”
The Annual Report 2023-24 also includes an operational report listing completed items from the Council Action Plan 2023-24 and a report on economic initiatives, ranging from business growth and main street activation programs through to investment attraction, regional economic growth projects and economic activity.
Other areas broken down in the report include: social, community and environment; emergency and risk; environment and community safety; assets; waste; data and information; financial sustainability; service initiatives; and governance management and other information.
The annual report provides operations, financial and performance reports along with an independent auditor’s report.
“As we finish the Council Plan 2021-24, we are also in the preparation phase for a new Council Plan,” Mr McAlister said.
“Our staff have been busy gathering this information together to be presented to a newly elected council next month.
“We look forward to furthering our engagement with the community on important infrastructure, programs and projects that will see us through to 2029.”
People can view the 172-page document here.