Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Michael Polan said the extension would provide more time to assess the impact of the promotion and discuss parking promotions and needs in the CBD more generally.

“The idea behind the holiday park and shop promotion is a great one. It aims to attract people to the CBD and to encourage them to spend a little longer and support our retail shops, cafes and other businesses," Cr Polan said.

“We now need to assess what impact the promotion had on parking and shopping and determine whether this is something that warrants further discussion as an ongoing change or for other one-off shopping promotions down the track to encourage people to support local businesses.”

Shepparton Show Me Chair Barry Smith said anecdotal feedback from retailers had been positive over the holiday period, particularly considering reports of the difficult retail environment throughout Australia at the moment.

“The retail sector is facing some significant changes but I believe Shepparton offers a great shopping experience with big name retailers and boutique stores all here as well as cafes, restaurants and other businesses on offer,” Mr Smith said.

“I look forward to seeing the results of the park and shop promotion and to continuing the partnership with Shepparton Show Me and Greater Shepparton City Council to look at innovative ways to encourage everyone to step up and play a part in creating a fabulous Shepparton.”

Cr Polan said Greater Shepparton City Council had a detailed parking strategy to plan for future parking needs in and around the CBD as well as support for a range of other measures to encourage economic health for our businesses in the CBD.

“Our parking studies have shown that there is plenty of medium and longer term parking available, most of which is within a two minute walk of the CBD but for whatever reason there is a perception that CBD parking may put off some shoppers.

“Council’s parking strategy recommends a range of initiatives to encourage people to access these parking spaces and we will feed the results of the summer park and shop promotion into our ongoing assessment of parking needs for the CBD.”

The two-hour parking signs will remain in place until the end of February. Normal fees of $1.20 an hour apply on weekdays. Parking is free on Saturdays but the sign-posted time limits apply. The promotion does not apply to 15-minute and 30-minute bays.

Five-hour car parks are available at the Fryers-Edward Sts and the Edward-Maude Sts car parks, which are within a two-minute walk of most shops and businesses in the CBD.

Once you purchase your ticket from a machine, if you need to leave before your time expires you can use that ticket - as long as you display it on your dash - in other parking bays until your time expires.

In that time, the Chambers of Commerce from each area have met on a number of occasions and relationships between respective Harness Racing Clubs, art groups and youth groups have developed.

Leeton Shire is located in New South Wales in the heart of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. With a population of nearly 12,000 people, the shire encompasses the thriving regional centre of Leeton, and the villages of Yanco, Murrami and Whitton and is about 1.5 hours north east of Wagga Wagga.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Michael Polan said he looked forward to building on the great work that was underway and to learning from each other to encourage future economic growth and prosperity in our respective areas.

"The economic profiles of the two locations are similar and there is a lot we can learn from each other. We face similar challenges in our various sectors and adapt to take advantage of opportunities as well," Cr Polan said.

"While the regions surrounding both Leeton and Greater Shepparton share economic similarities, the two regions are distant enough that they do not compete for market share so it creates a great opportunity to share ideas and learn from each other.

"We have already had some of our groups and organisations establish relationships and the memorandum adds an extra level to this as well as setting the groundwork to encourage others groups and organisations to get on board."

Speaking at the launch, Leeton Shire Mayor Councillor Paul Maytom said there were already some great initiatives underway and he looked forward to seeing more mutually beneficial outcomes as others were developed.

"Shepparton and Leeton are already communicating and cooperating as a result of this arrangement, offering proof that this was a real and genuine working arrangement being formalised today," Cr Maytom said.

"Leeton Shire is firmly committed to facilitating and encouraging these close ties for the betterment of both communities as we see that this kind of cost effective, sustainable relationship can only grow stronger.

"We at Leeton Shire Council are looking forward to a period of growth and prosperity and see this venture as a major contributor in the period."

Joint Venture Agreement

Greater Shepparton City Council
and
Leeton Shire Council

Wednesday 1 February 2012

Greater Shepparton City Council and Leeton Shire Council have this day entered into an agreement that will promote a greater awareness and understanding of each other's location, lifestyle and challenges, and the desire to support sustainable development in our areas.

We have recognised that our communities and people can benefit from a formal relationship, for the sharing of ideas, experiences and resources, as well as promoting future growth.

Under the terms of this agreement, both our Councils agree to act as facilitators within their Local Government areas, to bring together business and community organisations and groups, to encourage them to participate in exchanges that will lead to deeper understanding and involvement between the two communities.

The Councils also agree to undertake activities that will stimulate benefit for those members of our business, sporting, education, service and cultural fields, through the sharing of knowledge, experience and resources.

It is the intention of this venture that both Councils and their communities work together cooperatively to create a lasting and self - sustaining bond for the growing benefit of both.

As the responsible water manager for Kialla Lakes, Council is responsible for managing any blooms in Kialla Lakes. Warning signs have been installed and monitoring is ongoing.

Blue-green algae blooms are a common natural occurrence in Victorian waterways that can be triggered by many factors including nutrient loads, low inflows, low storage volumes and higher than normal temperatures.

It is not known how long the warning will remain in place. Water samples are being taken fortnightly and a range of preventative management measures are in place in accordance with Council's annual risk management and water quality plan.

Warning signs will be removed once the algae levels return to a safe level.

"We get a number of calls from people who are anxious about the whereabouts of their dog. It would appear from these calls, that the dog was not securely confined," Mr Eade said.

Mr Eade said unrestrained dogs were a risk to everyone, as research shows that 80 per cent of dog attacks in public places occur because dogs are not adequately confined to the owner's property.

"If the dog was securely confined, it would also be safe from fights with other dogs, or from getting hit by a car.

"Dog owners can easily avoid the legal and financial consequences of dog attacks if they ensure their dog is properly confined. This means escape proof fencing and closed gates."

Mr Eade said fines for failing to comply are $183 for a first offence for a dog at large not securely confined during daytime, $244 for dog at large not securely confined at night.

If you have any questions regarding your rights and responsibilities as a dog owner, contact Council's Animal Management/Local Laws branch on (03) 5832 9741 or pick up a brochure from Council's Welsford Street Office.

More information on Responsible Pet Ownership Information is available from www.dpi.vic.gov.au/pets.

Council's Leisure Facilities Officer David Quinn said the summer strolls have been modelled on the popular twilight stroll.

"At each stroll we will have activities for the kids and free barbecues with healthy food options," Mr Quinn said.

"The strolls will involve a walk around each town, finishing at a recreation reserve or swimming pool.

"The strolls are a fantastic activity for the whole family - parents can bring small children in prams or they can ride bikes."

There will be a healthy choices barbeque and apple slinkies to keep the kids energised.

Dates:

Friday 3 February 2012 - Merrigum Summer Stroll 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Register and commence the stroll at Judd Park and take a stroll around Merrigum and finish at the pool

Friday 10 February 2012 - Toolamba Summer Stroll 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Gather your family and friends and enjoy a relaxing stroll in Toolamba starting and finishing at the Community Centre for a FREE night out for the whole family. Enjoy a BBQ tea, jumping castle, family games and much more.

Friday 2 March 2012 - Undera Summer Stroll 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Gather your family and friends and enjoy a relaxing stroll in Undera starting from the front of Undera General Store and finishing at the Recreation Reserve for a FREE night out for the whole family. Enjoy a BBQ tea, jumping castle, family games and much more.

Friday 16 March 2012 - Tallygaroopna Summer Stroll 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Gather your family and friends and enjoy a relaxing stroll in Tallygaroopna starting and finishing at A. R. Larsen Reserve for a FREE night out for the whole family. Enjoy a BBQ tea, jumping castle, family games and much more.

Friday 30 March 2012 - Twilight Stroll from Shepparton/Mooroopna to SPC Ardmona KidsTown.

For more information contact Council's Leisure Facilities Branch on (03) 5832 9431 or visit the On the Moove website.

Greater Shepparton Councillor Chris Hazelman said Council's vision for this region is of a vibrant, cohesive society which celebrates and incorporates aspects of cultural diversity within daily life.

"It is crucial that Greater Shepparton continues to be a welcoming place for migrants and provide appropriate services for the CALD community," Cr Hazelman said.

"This strategy covers a range of directions, including communication and engagement, partnerships, leadership, celebration, advocacy and services.

"Council will continue to work closely with a range of agencies and community organisations to achieve the outcomes of this strategy.

"I congratulate all those who were involved in developing the strategy and I encourage residents to have a look through the strategy and provide their feedback."

The draft Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan is available on Council's website and from Council's Welsford Street Office.

Feedback on the strategy should be received by 5pm, Monday 20 February 2012.

For more information, contact Council's Cultural and Community Strengthening Branch on (03) 5832 9879.

- Released 27 January 2012

It will provide advice to Council on policy matters relating to cultural heritage, advice on the identification, conservation, preservation and promotion of cultural heritage significance, promote community participation and awareness of cultural heritage issues and investigate funding opportunities to further cultural heritage conservation and management.

Greater Shepparton Councillor and Heritage Advisory Committee member Cr Jenny Houlihan said cultural heritage within Greater Shepparton connects each of us with our past and tells the story of who we are as a community.

"Greater Shepparton contains a wide-variety of cultural heritage places of local, regional and international significance, owing to its richly-layered history, dating back more than 40,000 years," Cr Houlihan said.

"Respect for our cultural heritage involves retaining and managing places that have significance to us as a community. The conservation of these places of cultural heritage significance will ensure their protection for present and future generations to view, interpret and appreciate.

"A number of heritage organisations in the municipality have been invited to join the committee and we are now seeking community members to nominate for the committee.

"I encourage those people in the community with an interest in cultural heritage to apply for one of the three community positions on the committee."

Cr Jenny Houlihan and Cr Geoff Dobson are the Council representatives on the committee.

The committee will meet once a month.

Application forms are available on the Council's website and from Council's Welsford Street Office. Alternatively, call 5832 9823 and a copy of an application form can be posted to you.

Application forms should be returned by 5.00pm on Friday 10 February 2012.

- Released 27 January 2012

Greater Shepparton Mayor Michael Polan congratulated all award recipients.

"Allan and Jamie Lea have both made significant contributions to their communities and Greater Shepparton as a whole," Cr Polan said.

"Allan has been heavily involved in the dairy industry, is a current Rotary Club board member and was a former Rodney Shire Councillor.

"Jamie Lea is a founding member of Word and Mouth and is has been involved in the local arts/music scene for the past seven years.

"It is fantastic to see people getting involved in organisations in their local communities and helping to make a difference and thank you to the people who took the time to submit a nomination to recognise their fellow citizens."

Awards were presented for Citizen and Young Citizen of the year in Shepparton, Arcadia, Dookie, Mooroopna, Murchison, Tatura and Toolamba and the Greater Shepparton Citizen and Junior Citizen were chosen from these regional winners.

Overall winners

Greater Shepparton Australia Day Citizen of the Year - Allan (Tom) Perry
Greater Shepparton Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year - Jamie Lea

Regional winners

Shepparton

Shepparton Australia Day Citizen of the Year - John Head
Shepparton Australia Day Young Citizen of Year - Fatima Zaoli & Elaf Al-Tuhmazy

Mooroopna

Mooroopna Australia Day Citizen of the Year - John Kiss
Mooroopna Australia Day Young Citizen of Year - Jamie Lea

Tatura and District

Tatura Australia Day Citizen of the Year - Allan (Tom) Perry
Tatura Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year - Jason Archer

Dookie

Dookie Australia Day Citizen of the Year - Don Bryant
Dookie Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year - Cameron Shields

Murchison

Murchison Australia Day Citizen of the Year - Gloria Polkinghorn
Murchison Australia Day Young Citizen of Year - Thomas Karacsay

Arcadia

Arcadia Australia Day Citizen of the Year - Gerald Quirk

Toolamba

Toolamba Australia Day Citizen of the Year - Caroline James-Wilson

Regional winners - other categories

Shepparton

Shepparton Australia Day Senior Citizen Award - Russell Broom
Shepparton Australia Day Academic Award - Arlene Austin
Shepparton Australia Day Sports Award - James Marx

Tatura and District 

Tatura Australia Day Sports Award - Lisa Cullum
Tatura Australia Day Business Award - Luisa Niglia
Tatura Australia Day Environment Award - Greg Smith
Tatura Australia Day Academic Award - Adrian Crossley
Tatura Australia Day Volunteer Service Award - James Pyke

Murchison

Murchison Australia Day Junior Sports Award - Kiara Catania
Murchison Australia Day Club/Service Organisation Award - St Brigids Catholic Ladies Guild
Murchison Australia Day Education Award - Peter Campbell

Toolamba

Toolamba Australia Day Community Service Award - Heather Kennedy

Greater Shepparton Mayor Michael Polan said the winning design was chosen from more than 400 entries.

"We had a fantastic response to the design a cow competition, with entries from not only greater Shepparton, but other areas as well, which goes to show how popular the Moooving Art Cows are," Cr Polan said.

"The winning design was kept under wraps until tonight, however those people who follow Moooving Art on Facebook would've had a sneak peek.

"Scarecrow will now join the Moooving Art Herd and will be seen right across Greater Shepparton. Her first stop will be outside the Visitor Information Centre in Shepparton."

The Design a Cow competition was run as part of the 10th Birthday of Moooving Art.

For more information about Moooving Art, visit the Shepparton Moooving Art website.

At around 6.30pm the life size replica of the winning entry in the "Design a Cow" competition will be unveiled. It will be a sensational addition to the colourful Moooving Art herd which can be seen grazing across Greater Shepparton.

The family fun will be followed by a screening of Tulip and Red Dog from 8.30pm, so for an action packed evening of free entertainment, head to Victoria Park Lake.

4.30pm - 8.30pm Canoeing
4.30pm - ??? Food vendors
4.30pm - 8.30pm Petting Zoo
4.30pm - 8.30pm Jumping Castle
4.30pm - 8.30pm Photographer
4.30pm - 8.30pm Bunnings Craft Tent
4.30pm - 8.30pm Games area
4.30pm - 9.30pm Information tent
4.30pm - 8.30pm Face painters
4.30pm - 5.15pm No Bull! - Set 1
5.15pm - 5.45pm Musical play at the cows
5.45pm - 6.15pm Story time at the cows
5.45pm - 6.30pm No Bull! - Set 2
6.30pm - 7.00pm Presentations on stage (winning cow, happy birthday, birthday cake, welcome)
7.00pm - 7.30pm Story time at the cows
7.00pm - 7.30pm No Bull! - Set 3
7.30pm - 8.00pm Musical play at the cows
7.30pm - 8.30pm Hannah Magee
8.30pm Tulip & Red Dog