WELLINGTON Shire Council held a special unscheduled meeting last Thursday to receive and consider any submissions from ratepayers, verbal or written, relating to the 2023/24 Draft Budget. The meeting only went for about six minutes.

Five submissions had been provided to council, but only one representative came to the meeting to discuss their submission.

The Stratford Courthouse Incorporated Committee was represented by its president, Steve Laws.

The submission requests $35,000 per year for three years.

This funding will be spent on local contractors and businesses allowing the committee to outsource some of the operational functions with the ultimate aim of employing a part time manager.

Mr Laws noted the small committee of volunteers are tired after struggling through COVID-19 restrictions and now organising events.

“I’m the only one on that committee who is not in full-time work. We have people who have young kids,” Mr Laws said.

Mr Laws said the management of the facility has been hard and therefore they would like to employ a manager to take on the workload and coordination of the theatre.

“We are struggling with the big picture stuff. We’re caught up in the day-to-day and are not able to plan for the future and to ensure what we’ve envisioned happens.”

Stratford Courthouse Inc came into being as a result of a special general meeting held on March 10, 2020, with the intention of taking over operation of the Courthouse from April 1, 2020. On March 16, 2020, a state of emergency was declared for Victoria in response to COVID-19.

The other four submissions were not discussed as no representative was present, but are listed in the meeting agenda.

Dr Carol Glover requested that rates be decreased, or not be increased.

“The rates have been far too high for too many years. I suggest you can make cuts by reviewing salaries made to Wellington Shire staff, who, the last time I looked, are paid way too much,” Dr Glover wrote in the submission.

Lew Armstrong had a request to seal unsealed roads at Manns Beach.

“The sealing of these roads would certainly make the land owners at Manns Beach together with the many visitors to the township very happy,” the submission read.

“Further, the traffic and strong winds at Manns Beach creates a lot of dust from the unsealed roads which certainly causes a health hazard thus not providing a healthy environment. The dust not only affects the welfare of those living and visiting there but also gets onto the houses and in particular the roof of the houses and (of the) other structures.

“Thus when it rains, washes into the water tanks being the only water supply for the whole town. The water quality is therefore less than ideal thus having an impact on a healthy living environment.”

Next, Chris Hansen expressed concern at the lack of money spent in Loch Sport.

“Not only is there minimal capital expenditure (maybe footpaths) but maintenance is appalling,” Mr Hansen wrote.

“It is only on very rare occasions that you see council employees or contractors here … and the only way to get someone is to call it a health and safety issue.

“At the moment the main walking track along the lake is unusable (and unsafe) in places and one of the boat ramps is unusable due to a build up of sand and has been for most of this year. It would be a simple matter to clear this and build a groyne to stop the problem occurring in future.

“Wellington Shire is more than Sale.”

Finally, public toilets at the Port of Sale boat ramp was featured in a submission.

“It is great to read about the improvements planned for the Wellington Shire, but unfortunately the inclusion of toilet amenities at the Port of Sale near the boat ramps isn’t included or mentioned in the proposal,” Debrah Clow wrote.

“The toilets at the barbecue area near the library isn’t always readily available, or in use. This is a potential health hazard for those with disabilities/medical condition if using the barbecue area or boating on the boat ramp side.

“At present males needing to go are okay and can discreetly hide behind a tree, whereas us females are unable to do this. When in fact, can be fined for ‘indecent exposure’ if sighted by the public. If there isn’t any provision in the budget for a new toilet block, then perhaps Port A Loos would be a good solution in the interim. With all the advertising for people to come to the area there isn’t enough toilet facilities to cater for all users.”

After the council meeting finished up, councillors went to a closed meeting to discuss the Budget and the submissions.